• THERESA MAE DULMAN
The Bacolod City government established a specialized monitoring group to oversee the operations of gasoline stations across Bacolod City, ensuring compliance with pricing regulations amid the oil market volatility.
The multi-agency team, composed of the Department of Energy (DOE), Bacolod City Police Office, and city hall departments including the Mayor’s Office, City Legal Office, City Treasurer’s Office, Business Permits and Licensing Office (BPLO), and the Communications Office, is tasked with addressing consumer complaints and identifying violations.
The group is set to begin field inspections immediately, following a formal meeting and orientation with the DOE scheduled for March 12.
Data from the BPLO city reveals that out of 164 total gas stations in Bacolod, 13 have already ceased operations, leaving 151 active stations subject to inspection.
As of press time, 134 stations have applied for business permits, but only 51 have successfully been issued.
Bacolod City Mayor Greg Gasataya reminded station owners that they have until the March 31 deadline to complete their renewal process to avoid facing penalties and surcharges.*
