A public transport group chair shared an encounter with a gas station allegedly “hoarding” its diesel fuel by refusing to serve imotorists ahead of an anticipated price hike.
Manibela Chaiperson Mar Valbuena said he went to a gas station on early Tuesday, March 17, to fill up his vehicle with diesel, only to be refused by the pump attendant.
The attendant claimed there was no supply, to which Valbuena responded that diesel prices were set to increase again per liter.
Reports said diesel prices would rise by P20.40 to P23.90 per liter starting today, March 17, with some fuel companies implementing a staggered increase that would result in daily hikes to cushion the impact on motorists.
“Sabi niya, ‘oo,’ tinanong ko ulit kung may ibebenta silang diesel mamayang 6 a.m. Meron daw kasi nga mas mataas na ‘yung presyo. Bukas na lang daw, nadulas e, kasi nga para bukas, paldo na,” Valbuena shared through Manibela’s Facebook page.
Fuel price adjustments take effect every Tuesday starting at 6 a.m.
“Mamayang 6 a.m. na lang nila ibebenta, mas mataas na ang presyo, HAHAHAHA. T**** ubos na raw kuno, kahit meron pa,” the post reads with laughing emojis.
“No To Oil Price Hike,” it added.
The post also featured a photo of Valbuena at the gas station that allegedly refused to sell him diesel fuel, accusing it of “hoarding.”
The post has garnered 26,000 likes and reactions, 2,000 shares and 2,500 comments on the platform, with some Filipinos sharing similar experiences.
“Same here in Bulacan, limited na lang daw stock pero for tomorrow, sure daw na marami ng darating… when the price is higher,” a Facebook user claimed.
“Ganun din ho nangyari sakin, boss… nagpakarga [ako] kagabi, sabi, ubos na raw… bukas pa daw magkaroon,” said another user.
“Ganyan din kami kagabi, sabi, ubos na diesel, bukas na,” commented a different Pinoy.
Earlier this month, the Department of Energy (DOE) rolled out an initiative that allows the public to report complaints about petroleum and fuel pump prices, amid rising concerns about fuel hoarding and unauthorized price hikes.
They can submit a report through the eGovPH Complaint Center, allowing the government to strengthen monitoring and ensure fair service and a sufficient supply of petroleum for all Filipinos.
ALSO READ: DOE launches complaint center: How to report fuel hoarding, unauthorized price hikes
Prices of petroleum products have seen a second consecutive week of significant increases due to the conflict in the Middle East, which supplies oil to various regions.
The conflict, involving the United States, Israel, and Iran, has affected the shipping of oil as shippers avoid military strikes in the region.
