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Republic of the Philippines
DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY

(Kagawaran ng Enerhiya)

BAGONG PILIPINAS

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DEPARTMENT CIRCULAR NO. De apas- 6f - COP k

PRESCRIBING THE SPECIFICATIONS FOR MARINE FUELS

WHEREAS, Section 5 of Republic Act (RA) No. 7638, otherwise known as the
“Department of Energy Act of 1992,” as amended by Section 37 of RA 9136, otherwise
known as the “Electric Power Industry Reform Act of 2001,” empowers the Department
of Energy (DOE) to formulate policies for the planning and implementation of a
comprehensive program for the efficient supply and economical use of energy
consistent with the approved national economic plan, and with the policies on
environmental protection and conservation and maintenance of ecological balance,
and provide a mechanism for the integration, rationalization, and coordination of the
various energy programs of the Government;

WHEREAS, Section 5 of RA 7638, as amended by Section 37 of RA 9136, further
empowers the DOE to formulate and implement a program for the accelerated
development of non-conventional energy systems and the promotion and
commercialization of their applications;

WHEREAS, Section 14 of RA 8479, otherwise known as the “Downstream Oil Industry
Deregulation Act of 1998,” empowers (1) the DOE to monitor the quality of petroleum
products and stop the operations of businesses engaged in the sale of petroleum
products which do not comply with national standards/protocols of quality, and (2) the
Bureau of Product Standards (BPS) of the Department of Trade and Industry, together
with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, the DOE, the Department
of Science and Technology, representatives of the fuel and automotive industries and
the consumers, to set the specifications for all types of fuel and fuel-related products
to improve fuel composition for increased efficiency and reduced emissions;

WHEREAS, Batas Pambansa (BP) Blg. 33, as amended by Presidential Decree (PD)
No. 1865, titled “An Act Defining and Penalizing Certain Prohibited Acts Inimical to the
Public Interest and National Security Involving Petroleum and/or Petroleum Products,
Prescribing Penalties Therefore and For Other Purposes,” prohibits, and provides for
penalties for the adulteration of petroleum products;

WHEREAS, Section V - General Provision of MARINA Circular No. SR 2020-06
provides that, by 1 January 2025, all fuel oil used on board ships for propulsion or
operation shall have a maximum sulphur content of 0.50% per mass by mass including
all gas, petrol, distillates, residual and blended fuels;

WHEREAS, there is a global thrust towards harmonization of fuel quality standard
specifications and vehicle technology and emission standards, with due regard to the
environment, vehicle performance, health and safety and for easier global/
international trade;
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DC on Prescribing the Specifications of Marine Fuels
Page 2 of 2

WHEREAS, the BPS promulgated the PNS ISO 8217:2024 (ISO published 2024):
Products from petroleum, synthetic and renewable sources — Fuels (class F) —
Specifications of marine fuels, as the current separate standard specifications for
marine fuels;

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing premises, the DOE hereby
issues, adopts and promulgates the following:

Section1. Product Quality Standard Specification. All marine fuel sold in the
country shall comply with PNS ISO 8217:2024 (ISO published 2024): Products from
petroleum, synthetic and renewable sources — Fuels (class F) — Specifications of
marine fuels.

The DOE shall issue the relevant guidelines for the compliance of the Downstream Oil
Industry (DOI) participants engaged in the bunker trading / sale of marine fuel.

Section 2. Product Quality Monitoring. The DOE shall conduct random quality
sampling and testing of marine fuel in the DOI facilities to ensure compliance with
Section 1 of this Department Circular (DC).

Section 3. Prohibited Acts and Imposition of Penalties. The following acts shall
be subject to penalties as set out in the applicable law and regulation:

3.1 adulteration of petroleum fuel products, including failure to meet the
required product specifications; and

3.2 all other prohibited acts punishable under other laws and regulations.

Section 4. Separability Clause. Should any provision of this DC be subsequently
declared invalid or unconstitutional, such parts that are not affected shall remain in full
force and effect.

Section 5. Repealing Clause. All other rules and regulations or parts thereof which
are inconsistent with this DC are hereby repealed or modified accordingly.

Section 6. Effectivity. This DC shall take effect immediately after its publication in
at least two (2) newspapers of general circulation. A copy of this DC shall be filed with
the University of the Philippines Law Center - Office of the National Administrative
Register (UPLC-ONAR).

Issued this JAN 2 8 2 075 at the DOE, Energy Center, Rizal Drive cor. 34'" Street,
Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City, Metro Manila.

RAPHAELH P.M. LOTiLLA
ecretary