The Department of Energy (DOE) and Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) launched a complaint center on the eGovPH mobile application for users to submit concerns surrounding gas stations and fuel pricing.

The launch comes after the DOE received reports of gas stations violating petroleum product pricing regulations, which includes implementing price increases ahead of the prescribed schedule, shortselling, and overpricing.

Here’s a step-by-step guide on submitting a complaint through the eGovPH app, which can be downloaded through the App Store for Apple devices and Google Play for Android users.

Once you’re logged in to the eGovPH app, tap the “Report” button. Note that submitting a complaint will require you to turn your location services on for the eGovPH app.

You will be redirected to the Citizens eReport System where you can submit several types of complaints to government agencies. Tap the “Gas Station Concerns” button.

Fill in the details of your complaint. Under the sub-category drop down menu, you can choose from the following types of complaints:

• Panic buying (long lines at gas stations)
• Fuel hoarding
• Non-compliance with fuel pricing
• Unauthorized price increase
• Refusal to sell fuel
• Fuel shortage (limited to no available fuel) 

Aside from providing more detailed information about your complaint, you can also attach photos to support your submission.

Once you have filled in all the necessary fields, scroll down and tap the “Submit” button.

The DOE said it is coordinating with the Department of the Interior and Local Government and the Philippine National Police to closely monitor possible hoarding and price manipulation of petroleum products amid heightened tensions in the Middle East.

Energy Secretary Sharon Garin earlier said the DOE issued at least 54 show-cause orders to gas stations nationwide for supposedly hiking their fuel prices ahead of schedule and overpricing.

Garin warned erring fuel companies and gas stations that their permits may be canceled if they are found violating DOE directives.

Local fuel prices are expected to skyrocket by up to P38.50 per liter as the industry implements a staggered price hike from Tuesday, March 10, until Thursday, March 12.

– Rappler.com