FILE

Filipino motorists may be in for another round of price hikes at the pumps. Department of Energy's (DOE) Oil Industry Management Bureau Assistant Director Rodela Romero shared in an interview that mixed movements are expected for petroleum products in the coming week based on four days of monitoring.

According to Romero, gasoline prices could increase by around P0.20 per liter, while diesel may go up by P0.50 per liter. Kerosene, however, is not expected to have any price adjustment. If these estimates hold, it will be the sixth consecutive week of price increases for gasoline and the fourth for diesel.

Several global factors are contributing to the projected price hike, including geopolitical tensions, new US tariffs, and lower-than-expected production from OPEC+ member countries.

Despite the gloomy forecast, there's a slight chance of a change. The price estimates are based on four days of trading, and Romero noted that the final day of trading could still affect the final adjustment.

"Hopefully, prices go down this Friday to wipe out the increase from Wednesday," she said.

The DOE official also mentioned that oil companies sometimes choose not to implement very small price adjustments, such as those under P0.10.

Romero reminded the public that demand for fuel typically rises toward the end of the year due to the Christmas season. She emphasized that a significant increase in production from oil-producing countries could help stabilize prices.