DTI Eastern Samar warns local retailers from creating abnormal fuel supply

By ALICE E. NICART (PIA Borongan) with reports from SOC ABERIA
November 18, 2006

BORONGAN, Eastern Samar  – Some sari-sari storeowners here cause the abnormal supply of diesel and gasoline as perceived by several motorists, tricycle operators and drivers.

The early afternoon yesterday found them standing in a long line of diesel hungry vehicles, tricycles and single motorbikes. This opted the Borongan LGU to meet urgently the local chamber of commerce here with DTI and PNP in order to find out the main reason of the near shortage of petroleum products. What was more surprising was the common observation that nearby towns of Borongan, Taft, Dolores and Guiuan and in far Tacloban did not have the same problem.

Shortly afterwards, the committee moved to the barangays to validate the rumored sellers of gasoline, and... bingo! Right before their very eyes, were indeed sari-sari stores selling bottled diesel and gasoline. About ten illegal retailers were discovered in so short a time of inspection selling diesel at P41.00 per liter while buying the product directly from the gas station at P31.00.

Mrs. Eleanor Alido, DTI Chief who was with inspecting team outrightly cautioned the storeowners to forego of the illegal trade, citing RA 8180, which is the "Oil Production and Deregulation Law". The law among others, prohibits and penalizes the unlicensed retail of petroleum products. Of course they might collect better profit from selling the product, but they must heed at the bigger loss this kind of trade poses on their lives and property should they continue to be unmindful and carefree because the substance is definitely flammable and that certain precautions have to be adapted, Alido said in the interview.

On the other hand, suspecting public likewise think that the petroleum products are kept in cartels in preparation for future profits. This is of course a violation of RA 8182, should there be true findings as such, Alido remarked. Motorists likewise observe and lament that some gasoline stations in Borongan render unfair treatment to their customers claiming that oftentimes, a longer few of five-gallon water containers are preferred to by the gasoline boy than them who are poised in a separate line.

That is why, the DTI lady hopes that the provincial and municipal LGUs organize and mobilize in the near future, the local councils which will oversee the delivery, supply and retail of all petroleum products not only in Borongan, but in the entire province. She said that is also mandated by law that such a council or task force be made functional for the protection of the general public.