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The Philippine government generated P1.028 trillion in taxes over five years under the fuel marking program
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A total of 89.35 billion liters of fuel were marked from September 2019 to date
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For 2024 alone, the government collected P204.18 billion in taxes
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The program also resulted in 84 apprehensions and the filing of 21 fuel smuggling cases, including a conviction for illegal fuel trading
The Philippine government generated P1.028 trillion in taxes under its fuel marking program.
A total of 89.35 billion liters of fuel were marked from September 2019 to date, according to a report from the fuel marking service provider, the joint venture of SGS Philippines Inc. and SICPA SA.
Of the total taxes, P204.18 billion was collected in 2024 alone, the provider said during a high-level briefing with the Bureau of Customs (BOC).
BOC in a statement said the partnership with the fuel marking service provider has also contributed to 84 apprehensions and the filing of 21 fuel smuggling cases, including a conviction for illegal fuel trading.
“With continued efforts to enhance enforcement thresholds, BOC, SGS, and SICPA remain committed to combating fuel smuggling and ensuring fair tax collection across the country,” BOC said.
The implementation of the fuel marking program is among the key provisions of Republic Act 10963 or the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN) Law. Marking of fuel products, whether imported or manufactured in the Philippines, became mandatory five years after the TRAIN Law took effect in January 2018.
Fuel marking—which started implementation in September 2019—aims to curb oil smuggling and plug revenue losses arising from the illegal importation or misdeclaration of petroleum products.
Part of the program is field testing activities, which BOC and sister agency Bureau of Internal Revenue started implementing in April 2021. The random field and confirmatory testing covers gasoline, diesel and kerosene found in warehouses, storage tanks, gas stations and other retail outlets, and in such other properties or equipment, as well as in vessels, tank trucks, and similar fuel transporting vehicles.
Petroleum products found without the official fuel marker or not containing the required level of official fuel marker will be slapped duties and taxes, inclusive of fines and penalties. They may also be confiscated and forfeited and owners may face criminal charges.
READ: BOC seizes tanker, trucks with P90M unmarked fuel in Batangas
