Over 400 Philippine gas stations shut down amid fuel price surge

The Philippine National Police (PNP) said on Monday that more than 400 gasoline stations across the Philippines had stopped operation due to rising fuel prices.

The PNP spokesperson Randulf Tuano told a news conference that the number of closed stations in the Philippines has increased to 403 from 273 recorded on March 18.

He added that PNP has monitored a total of 14,313 gas stations nationwide, and that the country’s existing fuel supply is expected to last until mid-April.

The PNP has already filed cases related to illegal fuel selling, hoarding, and profiteering in several areas. The agency said it was working closely with the Department of Energy to investigate the allegations.

It said it had intensified the monitoring of gasoline stations that have ceased operations amid suspicions that some closures may be linked to price manipulation.