Bacolod cracks down on fuel pump fraud amid rising prices

Bacolod City is reinforcing an existing ordinance to ensure fair fuel sales for consumers. City Ordinance 601, passed in 2012, requires all petrol stations to calibrate and seal their dispensing pumps properly. The move comes as fuel prices continue to rise, making accurate measurements more critical than ever. The ordinance covers every business selling liquid petroleum products in Bacolod. It mandates regular inspections and unannounced checks to confirm pumps dispense the correct amount of fuel. Stations must register and seal their pumps, with fees and penalties applied for non-compliance.

Councilor Wilson Gamboa Jr., who authored the resolution, leads the push for stricter enforcement. As chairperson of the City Council committee on human rights, he emphasises that protecting consumers from overcharging or short-changing is both a legal duty and a moral responsibility. Properly sealed and calibrated pumps prevent financial losses for drivers and help maintain vehicle performance and safety. The ordinance outlines clear rules for calibration, sealing, and penalties. Violations can result in fines, ensuring businesses follow the regulations. With fuel costs climbing, officials argue that strict compliance is now more urgent than before.

The city’s renewed focus on Ordinance 601 aims to stop unfair fuel practices at the pump. Regular checks and penalties will help guarantee drivers receive what they pay for. The measures also seek to ease the financial burden on consumers during a period of high fuel prices.