ILOILO CITY, Philippines — On Saturday, March 7, the Iloilo City Police Office (ICPO), through Officer-in-Charge Wilbert B. Parilla, directed all police units to coordinate with oil depots and other stakeholders to regularly verify fuel availability and prevailing prices in gas stations across the city, aiming to prevent profiteering, hoarding, and other illegal practices that could affect consumers amid reports of sudden price movements linked to regional conflicts in the Middle East.
According to the ICPO chief, the directive was issued in response to concerns over potential market disruptions that may arise from global developments affecting oil prices. These steps are intended to confirm whether fuel prices being implemented at retail outlets align with legitimate supply and distribution conditions.
“This is a time for cooperation and understanding as we face challenges brought about by global developments. We encourage everyone to remain considerate of the welfare of the public and work together to maintain order and stability in our community,” Parilla said.
He also assured the public that ICPO will maintain close coordination with relevant government agencies while assisting in monitoring activities aimed at detecting possible unlawful practices such as hoarding, profiteering, and other acts that may take advantage of fluctuations in global oil prices. Such activities, he noted, can disrupt supply stability and place additional financial burden on consumers.
Authorities also focused on verifying fuel prices in service stations throughout Iloilo City, where three oil depots operate in the Lapuz District, as part of broader efforts to ensure that the interests of the public are safeguarded while global developments continue to influence fuel prices.| PIA-6 Iloilo
