MANILA – The Bureau of Customs (BOC) is set to inspect fuel depots across the country as part of efforts to verify the legality of petroleum imports and ensure stable supply amid increasing global oil prices linked to the ongoing Middle East tensions.
BOC spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Vincent Philip Maronilla said the bureau has begun coordinating with oil importers to assess available stocks of petroleum products.
He explained that Customs officials will conduct on-site inspections of depot facilities using the visitorial authority of the commissioner.
“These inspections will confirm that the petroleum products stored in the depots of oil companies were legally imported,” Maronilla said in an interview on Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon.
The BOC will work alongside the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and the Department of Energy (DOE) to ensure that businesses comply with regulations and that no unfair practices occur during the ongoing global oil situation.
Maronilla said authorities have not yet detected any anomalies in fuel shipments.
“Based on our records, vessel import documents appear to be in order and fuel deliveries continue to arrive,” he said.
He stressed the importance of monitoring supplies at the depot level so the government can accurately evaluate national fuel availability and prevent hoarding.
Maronilla also appealed to consumers to avoid panic buying, noting that the government is actively safeguarding the country’s petroleum supply.
“We urge the public to stay calm. The government and its partner agencies are closely monitoring the situation to prevent unscrupulous traders from taking advantage of the crisis,” he said.
leamsiogima/xf
