The Department of Energy (DOE) has received 646 reports against gas stations over violations, a number related to the allegedly unfair implementation of pump price hikes, amid the global oil crisis.

In a press conference held in Taguig City, Energy Undersecretary Felix William “Wimpy” Fuentebella said these complaints were submitted through the eGovPH portal opened by the DOE and Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), as reported by RH 15 Jecelle Ricafort on Monday.

March 9 recorded the most reports at 344 complaints, while March 10 logged 190 complaints; March 11, 70 complaints; March 12, 24 complaints; and the agency received 11 complaints on March 13.

Fuentebella said four of the complaints have been resolved, 584 are pending, and 58 have been closed.

The official explained that all reports undergo validation by the DOE - Oil Industry Management Bureau and then examined by the agency’s legal team to determine whether charges should be filed against the gas station concerned.

Gas retailers will be given a chance to provide their account regarding the reported violation, he assured.

If the agency finds the gas retailer culpable, they will be subject to charges and their Certificate of Compliance may be cancelled or withdrawn.

The price of diesel may potentially hit ₱114.90 per liter, said the DOE, while the price of diesel may reach ₱91.60 per liter in Metro Manila and other urban areas this week, brought on by the US-Israel war on Iran, a major exporter of oil.