Photo courtesy of BIR
The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) flagged 25 gas stations during the first three days of a large-scale fuel marking enforcement drive covering parts of Luzon.
The BIR said 65 gasoline stations had been tested since operations began on August 17, with more than a third producing field-test results that required further verification.
Fuel stocks covered by the findings were inventoried, while the corresponding dispensing pumps were sealed or padlocked pending confirmatory tests.
The agency stressed that an initial failed field test does not by itself establish final noncompliance. Existing procedures require further testing before enforcement measures and liabilities are determined.
Fuel marking is used by the government to check whether gasoline, diesel and kerosene circulating in the market have undergone the required tax-paid marking process. The BIR’s official materials identify its website as a source of current tax rules, issuances and enforcement information.
The operations were conducted with the Bureau of Customs, while an authorized fuel marking service provider handled technical sampling and testing.
BIR Commissioner Charlito Martin Mendoza said the campaign was intended to detect possible revenue leakages and protect petroleum businesses that comply with tax requirements. Stations found noncompliant after confirmatory procedures could face assessments, penalties and collection measures.
The Luzon inspections are expected to continue for several weeks before the enforcement campaign expands to other parts of the country, according to the BIR.