Manila: The Philippine National Police (PNP) announced on Monday that the number of gas stations closed due to supply constraints has reduced to 365 from a previous count of 425. This decrease occurs even as incidents of fuel hoarding and profiteering have increased to seven cases.

According to Philippines News Agency, PNP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Randulf Tua±o reported that the number of closures fell to 369 on Sunday and further decreased to 365 by Monday morning. "Ang mga pangunahing kadahilanan [ng pagsara] ay yung non-delivered petroleum products at 'yung iba naman ay walang stocks. Mayroong mga nagsarado at may nagbukas na naman [dahil sa restock]," Tua±o stated during a press briefing at Camp Crame. He explained that the primary reasons for these closures are the non-delivery of petroleum products and a lack of stock at some stations. Tua±o also noted that while some stations have been forced to close, others have reopened after receiving new stock.

The ongoing oil supply crunch, linked to the conflict in the Middle East, is cited as a significant factor in the closures. Meanwhile, the rise in reported cases of hoarding and profiteering is causing concern. Tua±o detailed that seven cases have been documented: three in Region 5 (Bicol), two in Region 8 (Eastern Visayas), and one case each in Regions 3 (Central Luzon) and 11 (Davao Region).

In response to the situation, the Department of Energy has requested assistance from the PNP to address and mitigate instances of fuel hoarding and profiteering, which exacerbate the current supply challenges.