Gas stations warned: No advance price hikes as DOE calls for heightened monitoring
The Department of Energy (DOE) is intensifying its monitoring of fuel prices with the aid of law enforcement, following reports that some gas stations have already implemented an unauthorized P8 per liter price hike. The DOE warns against premature price adjustments, emphasizing consumer protection amidst rising costs.
The Department of Energy (DOE) has issued a stern warning to gas stations against implementing unauthorized advance price hikes and fuel hoarding amid anticipated fuel price increases due to Middle East conflicts disrupting global oil supplies. Energy Secretary Sharon Garin has intensified monitoring efforts with law enforcement support, particularly targeting outlets in Mindanao and other regions to enforce fuel pricing and loading policies. The DOE flagged illegal price manipulation involving kerosene and liquefied petroleum gas, emphasizing that no advance price adjustments beyond official announcements are permitted.
Oil companies have agreed to implement staggered weekly fuel price hikes starting next week to avoid sudden surges that could severely impact consumers. Projected increases based on Mean of Platts Singapore trading data include diesel potentially reaching up to P80 per liter, gasoline increasing by P7-8 per liter (potentially reaching P70 if not implemented on a staggered basis), and kerosene by P2.8 per liter. Current Metro Manila prices range from P60.50-P63.19 for diesel and P52.10-P56.90 for gasoline.
The government is taking multiple measures to address the situation, including procuring at least 1 million barrels of diesel from Korea, Japan, Singapore, Malaysia, and Indonesia to bolster supplies after China halted diesel exports, which affected 30% of Philippine diesel imports. The Philippine National Oil Company is also procuring up to 3 million barrels of diesel. Energy conservation advisories have been issued targeting a 10% fuel reduction in government agencies.
DOE officials have assured the public that the country has adequate fuel stocks for at least two months and warned against hoarding, which could deplete reserves. The intensified monitoring aims to protect consumers from unfair practices while managing the economic impact of global oil market disruptions, with February 2026 inflation already hitting a 13-month high before the full effects of Middle East tensions are felt. The situation remains fluid as the government works to balance supply security with consumer protection amidst volatile global conditions.
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