Manila, March 5 -- The Department of Energy (DOE) on Thursday said an investigation into alleged petroleum products hoarding is now ongoing to protect the public against erring individuals who take advantage of current supply concerns due to the conflict in the Middle East.

The DOE said it has received reports from its field offices in Luzon and Mindanao about irregularities in fuel supply and retail prices.

Individuals proven to have violated Republic Act 7581, or the Price Act, face fines, imprisonment and product forfeiture, it said.

"We will not tolerate any attempt to take advantage of the current situation at the expense of Filipino consumers," Energy Secretary Sharon Garin said, as quoted in a news release

Under the directive o...