Stiffer penalties for gas short-sellers in QC

Amid the rising cost of petroleum products, the Quezon City government has passed a measure that would protect consumers from fraud and enable them to maximize the value of their money.

The Quezon City Council has passed on third deliberation Ordinance No. 1487, which imposes stiffer penalties for gas short-selling. This. it said, was to ensure protection for consumers of pump products and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG).

The ordinance was penned by Councilor Joseph Juico of the first district of Quezon City after the City Treasurer’s Office discovered that a number of gasoline stations in the city are short-selling motorists of their purchased petroleum products.

"Gas stations and LPG dealers must strictly comply with the guidelines of the law," Juico said.

Under Ordinance No. 1487, short-selling by over 50 milliliters for every 10 liters of gas purchased is punishable with fines of at least P4,000 and imprisonment of one month for the first offense; P5, 000 and two months imprisonment for the second offense; and revocation of business permit and imprisonment for three months for violating the law the third time.

Mayor Feliciano Belmonte lauded the passage of the ordinance for its aptness in protecting consumers from the impact of the spiraling cost of fuel products.