MARCH 10, 2026 — The Department of Energy (DOE) has thrown down the gauntlet against 54 gasoline stations nationwide, accused of jumping the gun on fuel price hikes triggered by the war in the Middle East. Show-cause orders have been issued, demanding explanations for alleged hoarding and profiteering. 

Energy Secretary Sharon Garin said, “If gasoline stations refuse to sell because some of them are waiting for the prices to go up, that's not allowed … We don't allow hoarding, we don't allow unreasonable increases in prices.”

The jist: DOE won’t tolerate opportunism, especially when supply is reportedly stable for eight weeks.

One station in Pasig City allegedly raised diesel prices from ₱51.98 to ₱79.30 per liter — a jaw-dropping 54.71% hike. Another in Fairview, Quezon City, reportedly jumped from ₱49.76 to ₱71 per liter, a 42.68% increase. 

Imagine being a jeepney driver or delivery rider staring at those numbers. That’s not just a pinch — it’s a chokehold.

The DOE insists that deregulation doesn’t mean deregulated greed. Energy Undersecretary Wimpy Fuentebella warned that violators could face administrative or criminal charges, even permit cancellations. 

Meanwhile, the Philippine National Police (PNP) has entered the fray. PNP chief Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. announced that 14,000 gasoline stations nationwide will be under enhanced police visibility. 

“We will arrest anyone caught illegally withholding supply to spike prices,” he declared. 

Patrols, intelligence monitoring, and coordination with DOE and DTI are now part of the arsenal.

But let’s not forget the looming reality: gasoline is projected to rise by ₱7.48 per liter, diesel by ₱17.28, and kerosene by a staggering ₱32.35. These numbers will ripple through households, transport fares, and food prices. Every Filipino knows that when fuel goes up, everything else follows.

Malacañang, through press officer Claire Castro, echoed the warning: “Those who exploit the situation may face consequences. You may be sued and could lose the opportunity to do business.”

In short, play fair, or get shut down. President Marcos Jr. has called for unity, but unity is hard to sell when the public feels cornered at the pump.

The thing is, if the government wants to prove it’s serious, it must not only punish violators but also ensure transparency in how prices are set and enforced. Otherwise, motorists will keep asking the same question every time they line up at the pump: Are we being protected, or played?

(Image: Philippine News Agency)