Senator Win Gatchalian on Saturday cast doubt on the projected fuel price rollback for next week, citing a mismatch between global oil market trends and anticipated adjustments in local pump prices.
In a radio interview, Gatchalian said that based on the decline in international oil prices, domestic fuel prices should see a significantly larger reduction.
“Kung susundan natin ‘yung sinasabi ng mga oil companies, dapat next week, bumaba rin ng between ₱12 to ₱16 ang presyo ng langis,” Gatchalian said.
He pointed out that global oil prices have dropped by nearly 11 to 12 percent, which he said is equivalent to around ₱16 per liter. However, the expected rollback in the Philippines is only around ₱3 to ₱4 per liter.
“Kaya nakakapagtaka na bumaba ng almost 11 to 12% (ang international trading), that’s equivalent to ₱16. Pero ang ibababa lang next week ay ₱3 to ₱4,” he added.
Gatchalian also noted what he described as a recurring pattern in fuel pricing—quick increases when global prices rise, but slower reductions when prices fall—raising concerns over possible inconsistencies in pricing mechanisms.
“Yun rin ang isang bagay na titingnan natin at kung kakailanganin, imbestigahan,” he said.
“Kaya nga ‘yun ang nakakapagtaka… Kapag tumataas ang petrolyo, mabilis ang pagtaas. Pero kapag pababa… ang bagal naman,” he added.
Earlier, Energy Secretary Sharon Garin explained that any rollback would depend on finalized trading data, emphasizing that local pump prices are calculated based on a five-day average of international oil benchmarks.
The Department of Energy continues to monitor global price movements as concerns over transparency and fairness in fuel pricing persist.