With fears that rising fuel costs could drive up the prices of basic goods, the Cebu City government plans to tighten price monitoring in local markets.
Nestor Archival said Monday, March 9, that the city intends to revive the Cebu City Price Monitoring Council to help oversee the cost of commodities and prevent overpricing.
The mayor said he has instructed the Cebu City Legal Office to reactivate the council, which will coordinate with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).
“We have it before, ato lang i-revive para ma-monitor. Ako nang giingnan ang City Legal nga to revive the monitoring body at least ma-control ang prices in coordination with DTI,” Archival said during a press conference.
The move comes as the city anticipates that higher fuel prices could eventually affect the cost of basic commodities.
“I understand nga tanan nato pamaliton musaka gyud ni kay considering musaka ang gasolina,” the mayor said.
Archival appealed to businesses and vendors not to take advantage of the situation and to keep the welfare of consumers in mind.
“Akong hangyo sa businesses ato gyud pangitaan pamaagi nga ang pamaligya dili lang sa profit but also consider nga nagping-it sad sa kalisod,” he said.
“Akong gihangyo dili ta mag-overprice kay ang luoy ani ang constituents sa Cebu City,” he added.
The mayor also addressed reports about fuel availability after receiving information that some gas stations were running low on supply.
“I received reports last night nga garage na sila og stocks, right now naa nay some reports nga depleted na ang stocks,” Archival said.
Because fuel deliveries are ongoing, tanker trucks transporting gasoline and diesel have been temporarily allowed to bypass the city’s truck ban.
“That’s why naay nanawag nako gabii nga dili lang iban ang trucks mga tankers kay nag-deliver og gasolina. So nihangyo sila dili lang usa mag-truck ban,” he said.
Archival said he instructed the Cebu City Transportation Office (CCTO) to temporarily ease enforcement for tanker trucks delivering fuel.
“So ako na giingnan ang CCTO nga i-consider na sila karon and ugma… ako gihangyo ang head sa CCTO nga dili usa dakpon Monday and Tuesday,” he said.
The mayor also urged motorists to avoid panic buying, warning that rushing to gas stations or hoarding fuel could disrupt supply.
“Ang kining fuel prices dili man ang stations ang nag-control but DOE man. So if unsay gihatag nila ni-follow lang ang stations,” Archival explained.
He added that current reports from the Department of Energy do not indicate any unusual shortage of fuel in the country.
“So far akong nadawat na reports sa DOE dili man abnormal ang kakuwangan but ang demand kusog kay kadaghanan sa mga tawo nagtuo nga mahurot na,” he said.
“So far walay indications nga kuwang ta,” the mayor added.
Earlier, the Department of Trade and Industry in Central Visayas reassured the public that prices of basic necessities and prime commodities in Cebu and Bohol remain stable.
The agency said its latest monitoring showed that supermarkets, grocery stores, and retailers continue to maintain adequate stocks while following suggested retail prices.
DTI also urged consumers to remain calm and practice responsible purchasing, stressing that supply chains remain stable and capable of meeting demand.
Consumers who observe unreasonable price increases, hoarding, or other unfair trade practices are encouraged to report them to the nearest DTI office.
Authorities nationwide have also intensified monitoring of fuel retailers following reports that some gas stations had prematurely raised prices ahead of scheduled adjustments.
Under existing rules, oil companies must notify the Department of Energy before implementing price changes, with adjustments typically taking effect every Tuesday.
Government agencies continue to monitor developments in the global oil market while assuring the public that the country still has adequate fuel supply. (LLP)
