The Department of Energy (DOE) issued show cause orders to around 50 to 60 gasoline stations on Monday over alleged premature and excessive fuel price increases, stressing that the Oil Deregulation Law cannot be used as justification for possible violations.

According to the DOE, several fuel retailers increased their prices by 42 percent to 54 percent over the past week, despite the absence of an official announcement for a price adjustment.

Three of the establishments were personally visited by DOE Usec. Wimpy Fuentebella, for energy utilization management, to serve the orders in Pasig City and Quezon City, particularly in the areas of Bagong Ilog and Fairview.

The concerned gasoline stations were given 24 hours to explain the reported price hikes. Failure to provide a satisfactory explanation may lead to the cancellation or revocation of their Certificate of Compliance, according to the agency.

Fuentebella said most of the establishments flagged for possible violations are located in Metro Manila, although similar cases were also reported in several provinces in the Visayas and Mindanao.

The energy official emphasized that fuel retailers cannot invoke the Oil Deregulation Law to shield themselves from accountability.

Fuentebella also stressed that the government retains the power to intervene when there are indications of abuse or irregularities in fuel pricing.

The DOE continues to monitor gasoline stations nationwide amid concerns over possible profiteering and unjustified price increases, particularly as fuel supply and pricing remain under close scrutiny.