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A gasoline station is regulated by the Department of Energy before it sells a single litre. Under DOE Department Circular 2003-11-010, you must notify the DOE Oil Industry Management Bureau in writing, and you cannot operate until DOE issues a Certificate of Compliance. Operating without one counts as illegal trading. The lot must be at least 100 square metres, with vehicles served inside the premises.[1]
Gas station prep list
- Confirm the lot is at least 100 square metres
- Make sure vehicles can be served inside the lot
- Write your notice to DOE-OIMB with a business plan
- Start the ECC and zoning clearance before construction
- Ask the LLDA if your site needs a discharge permit
- Buy or borrow a certified calibrating bucket for pump checks
The DOE paper trail, in order
DC 2003-11-010 lists documents in two batches, one before construction and one before you open. The written notice to DOE-OIMB comes first and covers your business name, outlet location and business plan.[1]
- Notify DOE-OIMBSend written notice with your business name, outlet location and business plan before you engage in fuel retailing.
- Before constructionSecure an Environmental Compliance Certificate from DENR, a zoning clearance, a building permit and, if applicable, an LLDA discharge permit.
- Before operationGet a BFP Fire Safety Inspection Certificate and the mayor's permit, and prepare a list of pumps and tanks and a layout plan.
- Certificate of ComplianceWait for DOE to issue the COC. The outlet may not operate until it does.
Pumps must deliver what the meter says
Dispensing pumps may not under-deliver by more than 50 ml for every 10 litres, measured with a certified calibrating bucket.[1]
Check your pumps on a schedule, not only after a complaint. Log each check with the date, pump number and result so you have records when DOE-OIMB inspects.
How current is this rule?
DC 2003-11-010 dates from 2003. Rules and fees may have changed since then. Confirm the current requirements and the COC fee with DOE-OIMB before you spend on land or construction. Our FSIC guide and zoning clearance guide cover the local steps.
Questions people ask
- Can I open a gasoline station on a small lot?
- DC 2003-11-010 sets an initial minimum lot area of 100 square metres for approved premises.
- Do I need an ECC for a gas station?
- DOE lists an Environmental Compliance Certificate from DENR among the documents needed before construction.
- How much is the DOE Certificate of Compliance?
- The circular we used does not state a fee. Ask DOE-OIMB for the current amount.
- What happens if I operate without a COC?
- Under DC 2003-11-010, operating a retail outlet without a Certificate of Compliance is illegal trading.
Sources
Checked 13 November 2026. We link the agency's own page for every requirement. Rules change; confirm with the office before you pay.
- DOE Department Circular No. DC 2003-11-010: Rules and Regulations Governing the Business of Retailing Liquid Petroleum Products · Lawyerly (text of DOE circular) · 14 November 2003
The extra permits, in one table
| Permit or registration | Agency | When it applies | Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Prior written notice to DOE-OIMB before engaging in fuel retailing[1] | DOE (Oil Industry Management Bureau) | always | Not published |
| DOE Certificate of Compliance (COC) before the retail outlet operates[1] | DOE (Oil Industry Management Bureau) | always | Not published |
| Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC) before construction (listed DOE requirement)[1] | DENR | before construction | Not published |
| Fire Safety Inspection Certificate (FSIC) before commencement of operation (listed DOE requirement)[1] | BFP | before operation | Not published |
| Minimum lot area of 100 sq m; vehicles served inside the premises[1] | DOE | always | not applicable |
| Pump accuracy: under-delivery must not exceed 50 ml per 10 litres[1] | DOE | always | not applicable |