Back in 2019, the Philippine government launched the fuel-marking program (FMP) aimed at combatting oil smuggling into the country, according to a report by Philstar Biz.
The program involves marking fuel products with chemical tracers to distinguish legally imported or locally refined fuel from smuggled goods. It was implemented in partnership with the Bureau of Customs and the Department of Finance.
Despite its intended purpose, the FMP has faced scrutiny over issues such as costs, transparency, and its actual impact on curbing smuggling. The article notes that public concern remains legitimate as stakeholders question whether the program delivers value for money.