The Bureau of Customs (BoC) credited its Fuel Marking Program (FMP) for a rise in fuel-related tax revenues in 2025, with collections reaching P247.12 billion, up 1.9 percent from P242.36 billion in 2024.

The FMP, introduced under the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN) Law, aims to curb oil smuggling, protect government revenue, and maintain fair competition in the petroleum sector. It places invisible chemical markers on imported and locally refined fuels, including gasoline, diesel, and kerosene, after taxes are paid.

Fuel lacking proper markers or found diluted faces penalties, additional duties, and possible criminal charges. The BoC and Bureau of Internal Revenue conduct random inspections of warehouses, gas stations, storage tanks, and transport vehicles.

“Our gains in 2025 demonstrate what decisive leadership and collective accountability can achieve. The fuel marking program remains a key measure in detecting fuel smuggling, ensuring transparency in fuel distribution, and promoting fair competition in the oil industry,” Customs Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno said.

Over 21 billion liters of fuel were monitored under the program in 2025, up from 19.9 billion liters in 2024. Field testing since April 2021 has helped detect supply chain irregularities.

Despite the gains, BoC fell short of its P958.7 billion revenue target, collecting P934.4 billion due to weaker imports, a rice import ban, and global price fluctuations. Revenue is projected to rise to P1.01 trillion in 2026, P1.07 trillion in 2027, and P1.14 trillion in 2028.