The Department of Energy (DOE) has warned oil companies against implementing staggered or partial price reductions as a major fuel price rollback takes effect on Tuesday, November 10.
The agency said oil firms that fail to comply with the directive may face a show-cause order and undergo strict inspections as part of enforcement measures.
The warning comes as motorists are set to benefit from one of the largest fuel price reductions in recent months, with gasoline prices dropping by ₱16.80 per liter, diesel prices decreasing by ₱4.10 per liter, and kerosene prices falling by ₱3.70 per liter.
According to the DOE, the substantial reduction was driven by a decline in global oil prices following easing tensions between the United States and Iran in the international market.
DOE Undersecretary Alessandro Sales stressed that staggered implementation of the rollback is not allowed because the order is mandated by the agency while a state of calamity remains in effect due to continuing concerns related to tensions in the Middle East.
Sales noted that staggered fuel pricing schemes are typically implemented during periods of sharp price increases and are not commonly applied when fuel prices undergo significant reductions.
He also assured the public that the agency’s fuel price computations remain open and transparent despite questions raised by some oil companies.
The DOE official further emphasized that the agency has not altered the methodology it uses in calculating fuel price adjustments.