The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) has sealed fuel pumps at 78 gas stations nationwide after the establishments failed fuel marking field tests as part of an intensified campaign against the illegal trade of petroleum products.
As of October 13, the BIR inspected a total of 189 fuel stations across 10 revenue regions. Out of the inspected facilities, 111 passed the field tests while 78 failed, representing a 41.3 percent failure rate among the inspected sites.
The non-compliant gas stations held a combined inventory of more than 900,250 liters of gasoline and other petroleum products. Following the test results, BIR personnel immediately sealed the affected pumps at all 78 locations to prevent further distribution.
The nationwide inspection sweep covered key areas including CAMANAVA and Bulacan, Manila and Palawan, Quezon City, East NCR, Makati City, South NCR, Western Visayas, Negros Island, Central Visayas and Eastern Visayas.
BIR Commissioner Charlito Martin R. Mendoza said the agency will track down the origin of the non-compliant petroleum products. To support ongoing enforcement actions, the bureau will conduct verification procedures and targeted inspections at supplying fuel depots.
The operation forms part of the BIR’s broader DARES reform agenda, which aims to strengthen tax collection efficiency and protect government revenues by curbing illegal trade across the fuel supply chain.