Filipino motorists are facing a hefty spike in pump prices next week as international oil markets hit a four-year high, driven by geopolitical instability and supply fears.
Energy Secretary Sharon Garin confirmed on Friday that local fuel rates will see a significant upward adjustment starting Tuesday.
The hike is based on the first four trading days of the Mean of Platts Singapore (MOPS) from April 27 to April 30, 2026. According to the Department of Energy (DOE) estimates, the price increases are projected as follows:
- Diesel: ₱4.80 per liter increase
- Gasoline: ₱4.00 per liter increase
- Kerosene: ₱0.50 per liter increase
Garin explained that the surge is a direct result of global trading averages climbing well above previous benchmarks.
Because the country is currently under a state of calamity, the DOE is exercising its authority to dictate price adjustments through specific regulatory computations intended to shield consumers from extreme market volatility.
”The average price this week is higher than the average price [last] week so mari-reflect yan next week.”
(“The average price this week is higher than the average price [last] week, so that will be reflected next week.”)
DOE CRACKS DOWN ON RETAIL VIOLATIONS
Beyond the price hikes, the DOE is intensifying its monitoring of gas stations that have ignored government orders. Garin revealed that several retail outlets failed to implement mandated price rollbacks over the past three weeks.
These stations are now facing legal consequences, with formal warnings already being distributed to non-compliant owners.
”Warning na ang ibinigay kahapon sa mga hindi nakaka-explain at hindi sumusunod, and we are collating everything para ma-file-an na sila ng kaso.”
(“A warning was given yesterday to those who could not explain and did not comply, and we are collating everything so that cases can be filed against them.”)
GLOBAL INSTABILITY DRIVING COSTS
The domestic price surge mirrors a turbulent global market where crude oil recently reached its highest price point in four years. International traders are on edge following statements from U.S. President Donald Trump regarding a prolonged naval blockade of Iranian ports.
Supply-side anxieties have been further aggravated by reports that the U.S. administration is reviewing plans for fresh military strikes in the Middle East.
As regional hostilities threaten to disrupt global distribution, the DOE warns that the local market remains highly sensitive to these external developments.