Fuel prices up by as much as P23.90 per liter this week

By Joann Villanueva, Philippine News Agency

PRICE UPTICK. Department of Energy–Oil Industry Management Bureau Director lawyer Rino Abad and Energy Secretary Sharon Garin hold a briefing at the DOE office in Taguig City on Monday (March 16, 2026). Garin said oil prices will increase by as much as PHP23.90 per liter this week, with five firms implementing the hike on a staggered basis. (PNA photo by Joann Santiago-Villanueva)

MANILA – Domestic oil prices will rise by as much as PHP23.90 per liter this week, with five companies implementing increases on a staggered basis starting Tuesday, Energy Secretary Sharon Garin said Monday.

For gasoline products, the increase will be PHP12.90 to PHP16.60 per liter; for diesel, PHP20.40 to PHP23.90 per liter; and for kerosene, PHP6.90 to PHP8.90 per liter.

This will bring gasoline prices to as much as PHP91.60 per liter, diesel to PHP114.90 per liter, and kerosene to PHP143.79 per liter.

Department of Energy (DOE) data show that from March 10 to 16, 2026, gasoline prices ranged from PHP63.40 to PHP75 per liter, diesel from PHP70.95 to PHP91, and kerosene from PHP85 to PHP134.89 per liter.

Garin, in a briefing, said the price changes cover oil firms in Metro Manila and other urban areas.

She said prices vary by location, with those in far-flung areas typically higher — something the DOE cannot control under the Oil Deregulation Law.

“That is why I’m really for the revisiting of the Oil Deregulation Law, because I do believe this system is only effective during good times,” she said.

Garin stressed the need for strict monitoring of fuel stations nationwide with the help of other government agencies and the public, who are encouraged to report questionable price movements to the DOE and through the eGovPH mobile app.

She also assured the public that domestic fuel supply remains adequate until end-April, and possibly into May if energy conservation efforts are observed.

She said that although some countries have restricted supply to other jurisdictions, the Philippines is in talks with existing suppliers such as South Korea, Japan and Thailand for additional supply.

“I’m very confident about our supply… It’s just the price that is an issue,” she said.

She added that concerned government agencies such as the Department of Trade and Industry, Department of Transportation, Department of Agriculture, the Department of Health, and local governments are formulating a program to cushion the impact of the oil price increases on the public.

“The government is really creating a new package so that we can address this unusual event right now,” Garin said