PNP Orders Nationwide Patrols at Gasoline Stations to Curb Price Manipulation
The Philippine National Police (PNP) has mandated police units across the country to incorporate gasoline stations into their regular patrol routes. This initiative is part of a broader government strategy to prevent oil price manipulation and hoarding, as supply concerns escalate due to ongoing tensions in the Middle East.
Enhanced Police Visibility and Coordination
In a statement released on Monday, March 9, 2026, PNP Chief Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. announced that chiefs of police and commanders of support units have been instructed to bolster police presence around fuel stations. This directive follows a formal request for assistance from the Department of Energy (DOE).
The affected units include the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group, Philippine National Police Maritime Group, and Philippine National Police Highway Patrol Group. The PNP will establish a coordination protocol with the DOE to monitor fuel prices and address complaints from motorists regarding alleged unfair or unreasonable pricing, particularly in provincial areas.
Government Efforts to Balance Interests
Nartatez emphasized the government's role in balancing business sector interests with consumer protection. "We in the Philippine National Police will make sure that it goes that way amid the effects of the situation in the Middle East," he stated. He also urged gasoline station owners to adhere to oil pricing regulations set by the DOE and called for public and business cooperation.
According to Energy Secretary Sharon Garin, there are approximately 14,000 gasoline stations nationwide. The DOE had previously sought PNP assistance in monitoring fuel prices to prevent potential manipulation.
Monitoring and Enforcement Actions
The PNP's intelligence units are actively monitoring warehouses for possible hoarding and other illegal activities. "We will arrest anyone caught illegally withholding supply to spike prices," Nartatez warned. Additionally, the PNP has coordinated with the Department of Trade and Industry and local government units to conduct spot checks on retailers, ensuring compliance with the DOE's "no price change" order until Tuesday.
These monitoring operations will continue until the fuel supply situation stabilizes. In related developments, Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Claire Castro revealed that the DOE has issued show cause orders against 54 gasoline stations for untimely price increases, exploiting the current situation.
