Bacolod Mayor Issues Stern Warning to Fuel Retailers Amid Price Surge
BACOLOD City Mayor Greg Gasataya has issued a strong directive to oil retailers, demanding strict adherence to fuel pricing regulations and warning against any hoarding or unauthorized price increases. This call to action comes as the Department of Energy (DOE) announced significant fuel price hikes, prompting immediate monitoring efforts by local authorities.
City Treasurer's Office Launches Inspections
In response to the DOE's announcement, the Bacolod City Treasurer's Office (CTO) has initiated comprehensive inspections at gasoline stations across the city. These routine checks, which began on March 9, 2026, include calibration verifications to ensure compliance with mandated pricing structures. Mayor Gasataya emphasized that retailers must align their prices with the DOE's official adjustments, which are set to take effect on March 10.
The DOE has projected price increases per liter ranging from P7 to P13 for gasoline, P17.50 to P24.25 for diesel, and P32 to P38.50 for kerosene. Gasataya stressed that any implementation of these hikes before the scheduled date or any form of hoarding is illegal and will not be tolerated.
Initial Monitoring Reveals Early Violations
During the first round of inspections, four gasoline stations were examined. One station was found to have already raised its prices ahead of the March 10 adjustment date, highlighting the urgency of the city's monitoring efforts. Detailed fuel prices recorded during the inspection include:
- LKB OPC: Premium – P70.50, Regular – P70, Diesel – P75
- Shell: V-Power Diesel – P71.24, Fuel Save Gasoline – P61.24, Fuel Save Diesel – P62.74, V-Power Gasoline – P68.65
- Sea Oil: Exceed Diesel – P63.25, Extreme U Gasoline – P60.85, Extreme 95 Gasoline – P61.05
- Petron: Diesel Max – P61.45, Turbo Diesel – P63.45, Extra Advance – P59.25, XCS – P60.25
Ronald Genciane of LKB explained that their station implemented an early P3 per liter adjustment due to supplier increases, stating, "We adjusted our prices because our supplier has already increased its rates. We do not have our own fuel depot, and our business cannot operate without making these adjustments."
City Officials Appeal for Fair Business Practices
City Administrator Mark Mayo echoed the mayor's sentiments, urging business owners to operate fairly and responsibly, especially during this challenging period influenced by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. "We are appealing to business owners to be just and fair in conducting their operations. All activities must remain within the bounds of the law," Mayo said.
He added that the City Government is prepared to collaborate with the DOE to investigate any reported violations. Monitoring reports will be submitted to the DOE, which holds the authority to impose sanctions on establishments found breaching price regulations.
Impact on Motorists and Community Response
The continuous rise in fuel prices is taking a toll on local motorists. Jan Paul Liza, a resident, expressed concern that he may have to reduce his vehicle usage due to escalating costs. "This is no longer a normal increase. Fuel used to be cheaper, but with continuous price hikes, I might have no choice but to commute because of vehicle maintenance costs and expensive fuel," he shared.
As Bacolod intensifies its monitoring and enforcement efforts, the community watches closely, hoping for transparency and compliance from fuel retailers to mitigate the economic strain on consumers.
