The Bureau of Customs (BOC) confiscated around P3.24 million worth of unmarked fuel and a tank truck in the Bicol Region. Photo from Bureau of Customs

MANILA – The Bureau of Customs (BOC) has confiscated around P3.24 million worth of unmarked fuel and a tank truck in the Bicol Region, suspected to be “engaged in the illegal sale of unmarked fuel.”

 Around 30,891 liters of gasoline and diesel were seized, amounting to P1.74 million. 

A fuel truck was also confiscated which was worth P1.5 million. Unmarked fuel means no duties and taxes have been paid.

 The BOC said the operation was part of its Fuel Marking Program.

 “To combat fuel smuggling, the BOC conducts random field tests of retail stations and tank trucks to verify compliance of fuel sold to the public under the Fuel Marking Program,” the BOC said in a statement.

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 “Samples that fail testing indicate smuggling or non-payment of taxes,” it said. 

BOC Commissioner Bienvenido Y. Rubio said the crackdown on illegal fuel sales continues “to safeguard government revenues and ensure fair competition among compliant businesses.”