The Davao City government has officially dismissed claims circulating on social media that the city is set to receive a special oil supply from Brunei, calling the story false and without basis.
City Information Office spokesperson Harvey Lanticse said there is no truth to the viral reports. “We have no information regarding the alleged oil supply. The city government has not held any discussions with Brunei on this matter,” Lanticse said.
The rumor spread rapidly amid a severe fuel price crisis triggered by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. According to the Department of Energy, a major price adjustment took effect on March 10, with gasoline rising by ₱7 to ₱13 per liter, diesel by ₱17.50 to ₱24.25, and kerosene by ₱32 to ₱38.50.
According to Sun Star Davao, Davao City authorities had already been on alert, with the city’s Business Bureau conducting regular inspections of gasoline stations to prevent hoarding, overpricing, and premature price hikes.
At the national level, the Philippine government has been exploring alternative fuel sources, with Brunei among the countries being considered alongside Malaysia, India, the United States, Canada, Russia, and several South American nations, according to Bombo Radyo. However, no deal has been finalized with any of these countries.
Fact-checkers and local media have since flagged the Brunei-Davao oil claim as misinformation, with observers noting it appeared designed to exploit public anxiety over rising fuel prices.
