Filipino motorists should prepare for another jump in fuel costs next week as global petroleum instability, worsened by ongoing conflict in the Middle East, continues to drive prices upward.
According to a source from the oil sector, projected increases per liter are:
Diesel: ₱14.00–₱14.50
Gasoline: ₱7.00–₱7.50
These hikes could push diesel to around ₱130 per liter and gasoline past the ₱100 mark, adding to the steep increases already implemented this week.
Industry analysts attribute the expected surge to possible supply constraints following damage to energy infrastructure amid escalating US-Israel-Iran tensions.
The DOE’s previously announced fuel price adjustments for the March 17–23 week are:
Diesel: ₱20.40–₱23.90 per liter
Gasoline: ₱12.90–₱16.60 per liter
Kerosene: ₱6.90–₱8.90 per liter
Retail prices in Metro Manila, combining the DOE’s data from March 10–16 and this week’s adjustments, stand at:
Diesel: ₱91.35–₱114.90 per liter
Gasoline: ₱86.40–₱100.30 per liter
Kerosene: ₱91.90–₱143.79 per liter
The DOE reiterated that fuel supply is sufficient nationwide but urged the public not to hoard, warning that stockpiling could create shortages, particularly for public transport vehicles, and lead to unnecessary panic.
Energy Secretary Sharon Garin highlighted the importance of fair distribution, saying hoarding by some could negatively affect many others.
ia/xf
