Fuel marking program credited with generating P801.55 billion in revenue 

THE Bureau of Customs (BoC) said it raised P801.55 billion from marked fuel since the program began in 2019.

“The figures are looking good; every year the collection increases. We are able to catch a lot (of violators). It’s easy to catch, because in fuel marking, there are random inspections of gas stations,” Customs Commissioner Bienvenido Y. Rubio told reporters recently.

The collection totals for marked fuel were generated between Sept. 4, 2019 and Nov. 30, 2023. Volume totals of 70.48 billion liters run from Sept. 4, 2019 to Dec. 2, 2023.

“In 2022, the BoC collected P234.46 billion from its fuel marking program.”

The BoC said revenue from marked fuel consisted of P771.74 billion in customs duties and P29.81 billion in excise taxes since the program began.

“Anyone can just message the bureau if they have doubts on whether the fuel is smuggled or not. No matter where it comes from it has to pay duties and taxes, even if it comes from a freeport. There has to be proof its duties are paid,” Mr. Rubio added.

The fuel marking program was launched in 2019. Fuel is marked with a special dye in order to signify tax compliance, while the absence of the dye is considered an indication that the fuel may be smuggled.

The program is authorized by Republic Act 10963, or the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion law.

In 2022, the BoC collected P234.46 billion from marked fuel.

In the first 11 months of 2023, the BoC collected P813.651 billion from all sources, accounting for about 93% of its full-year target. — Luisa Maria Jacinta C. Jocson