By Christopher Lloyd Caliwan
MANILA – The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Monday said the number of gas stations closed due to supply constraints has dropped to 365 from 425, even as reported fuel hoarding and profiteering incidents rose to seven.
PNP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Randulf Tuaño said closures fell to 369 on Sunday before declining further to 365 by Monday morning.
“Ang mga pangunahing kadahilanan [ng pagsara] ay yung non-delivered petroleum products at ‘yung iba naman ay walang stocks. Mayroong mga nagsarado at may nagbukas na naman [dahil sa restock] (The primary reason for the closures is the non-delivery of petroleum products and some had no stocks. Some closed down but later reopened after restocking),” Tuaño said during a press briefing at Camp Crame.
The closures come amid an oil supply crunch linked to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
Tuaño said seven hoarding and profiteering cases have been reported: three in Region 5 (Bicol), two in Region 8 (Eastern Visayas), and one each in Regions 3 (Central Luzon) and 11 (Davao Region).
The Department of Energy has sought assistance from the PNP to curb fuel hoarding and profiteering. (PNA)
