• THERESA MAE DULMAN
The Department of Agriculture – Negros Island Region (DA-NIR) has issued fuel dispensing and anti-hoarding guidelines to ensure stable access for the region’s agricultural and fishery sectors.
The move follows clarificatory guidelines from the Department of Energy (DOE) aimed at maintaining stable fuel access for essential services across the region.
Under the new guidelines, the purchase of fuel in containers such as drums or jerry cans is explicitly permitted, provided the fuel is intended for legitimate operational use.
This includes powering agricultural machinery, irrigation pumps, fishing vessels, and other equipment necessary for food production.
However, the DA-NIR emphasized that unusual or excessive purchases that exceed normal consumption levels may be subject to verification.
The agency noted that fuel stations are authorized to temporarily impose reasonable purchase limits per vehicle to discourage panic buying.
The restrictions are designed to guarantee that high-priority sectors, including emergency services and public transportation, maintain consistent access to fuel.
The DA-NIR stated that these measures are essential to protecting the livelihoods of farmers and fisherfolk while maintaining a steady food supply for the region.*
