MALAYBALAY CITY (PIA)—In a joint focused inspection by the Department of Energy (DOE), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), and Local Price Coordinating Council (LPCC), a total of 11 gasoline stations and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) outlets in the cities of Malaybalay and Valencia were found in violation of industry rules of the downstream sector.

“We found out that nine gas stations violated the Retail Rules while two LPG outlets have breached rules on LPG sale. Operating without a ‘Certificate of Compliance’ is the offense of oil stations, while the LPG dealers violated the rules on SCC or Standards Compliance Certificate,” Karen Paula Seguerra, Science Research Specialist of DOE-Mindanao Field Office said during the press conference, Thursday, at Haus Malibu.

DOE has yet to make formal announcements of the sanctions or penalties imposed against the industry violators.

From April 19 to 20, the DOE, DTI, and LPCC inspected 13 fuel retailers and three LPG outlets in the cities of Malaybalay and Valencia, both in Bukidnon province.

Based on the Team's monitoring records, Premium gasoline in Valencia City costs P67.65 to 70.05; Regular gas costs P67.45 to 70.55, and Diesel costs P68.20 to 73.95. In Malaybalay, Premium gas price ranges from P68.20 to 68.45; Regular is from P67.70 to 68.00, and Diesel is from P70.00 to 74.60.

Engr. Delfred Laman, DOE Mindanao field office’s Science Research Specialist said the two-day unannounced joint price monitoring and inspection include the calibration of dispensing pump meters of the gas stations.

He explained that this was anchored on the DOE's mandate to ensure that petroleum products sold in markets, such as liquid fuels and liquefied petroleum gas, meet international and national standards on quality and quantity.

"If a customer has any doubts and wants to know if the purchased LPG is accurate or not, they must request a weighing scale. To determine its content, look for the 'Tare weight (weight of tank) and Net content' marks on the LPG tank. We need to add the ‘tare and net.’ If the scale displays the correct sum, everything is fine. If not, something must be wrong,” Laman said when asked about determining the LPG cylinder's accurate content.

On the same occasion, DTI-Bukidnon Consumer Protection Division Chief Junar Merla said the random inspections had been backed by the business permits and licensing offices of Malaybalay and Valencia, Local Price Action Officers, and DTI’s Bureau of Philippine Standards, among other agency partners. (RLRBalistoy/PIA 10-Bukidnon)