Department of Energy (DOE) Secretary Sharon Garin clarified that there is no oil supply shortage.

Despite the sufficient supply, the agency opted to implement anti-hoarding rules to ensure that fuel remains available for everyone and to prevent panic buying.

The DOE has explained how hoarding works for both gas stations and consumers.

For gas stations: They refuse to sell fuel products without a valid reason or intentionally hide the supply to make it appear that there is an actual shortage.

For consumers: They usually engage in stockpiling or panic buying.

In response, the DOE stated that gas stations may set limits on the amount of fuel sold to consumers. Regulations in purchasing fuel using containers are being strictly enforced. Buying fuel in drums and jerry cans is permitted for specific uses, such as in fishing, farming, or frontline services (e.g., hospitals, telecommunications, etc.).

The DOE reminds the public:

“Kung walang hoarding, walang problema sa suplay. Bumili lang ayon sa pangangailangan,”

[“If there is no hoarding, there would be no problem with the supply. Buy only based on what you need.”]

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