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Advocates Philippines
DOE Warns Diesel Could Hit P80 Per Liter; Manibela Calls For Excise Tax Suspension
Photo credit: MANIBELA
Manila, March 6, 2026 — Diesel prices in the Philippines could reach around ₱80 per liter, while gasoline may climb toward ₱64 per liter as early as next week if global oil prices continue rising amid tensions in the Middle East, the Department of Energy (DOE) said during a Senate hearing Friday.
DOE Oil Industry Management Bureau Director Rino Abad explained that the extent of price increases will depend on whether oil companies implement adjustments all at once or use staggered increases over several days or weeks. The DOE is encouraging staggered hikes to help soften the immediate impact on consumers.
The transport group Manibela, representing public utility vehicle drivers and operators, expressed strong concern over the steep rise in fuel costs. The organization urged the government to suspend the excise tax on fuel, warning that the current rate of price hikes by oil companies places a heavy burden on drivers and commuters.
Energy Secretary Sharon S. Garin also cautioned gas station owners against taking advantage of the situation caused by global tensions. During the national launch of a DOE fuel subsidy program in her hometown of Guimbal, Iloilo, Garin emphasized that authorities are monitoring pricing practices to prevent profiteering and hoarding of oil-based products.
Local pump prices have already increased in early March, with gasoline rising by nearly ₱1.90 per liter and diesel by ₱1.20 per liter in recent adjustments. The DOE said further increases are possible depending on global oil market trends and how fuel companies implement price changes.
Rising fuel costs have broad implications for the economy, affecting transportation, logistics, and the prices of goods and services. Government measures, including subsidies and potential excise tax relief, aim to mitigate the impact on commuters, drivers, and households.
DOE Oil Industry Management Bureau Director Rino Abad explained that the extent of price increases will depend on whether oil companies implement adjustments all at once or use staggered increases over several days or weeks. The DOE is encouraging staggered hikes to help soften the immediate impact on consumers.
The transport group Manibela, representing public utility vehicle drivers and operators, expressed strong concern over the steep rise in fuel costs. The organization urged the government to suspend the excise tax on fuel, warning that the current rate of price hikes by oil companies places a heavy burden on drivers and commuters.
Energy Secretary Sharon S. Garin also cautioned gas station owners against taking advantage of the situation caused by global tensions. During the national launch of a DOE fuel subsidy program in her hometown of Guimbal, Iloilo, Garin emphasized that authorities are monitoring pricing practices to prevent profiteering and hoarding of oil-based products.
Local pump prices have already increased in early March, with gasoline rising by nearly ₱1.90 per liter and diesel by ₱1.20 per liter in recent adjustments. The DOE said further increases are possible depending on global oil market trends and how fuel companies implement price changes.
Rising fuel costs have broad implications for the economy, affecting transportation, logistics, and the prices of goods and services. Government measures, including subsidies and potential excise tax relief, aim to mitigate the impact on commuters, drivers, and households.
Mar 6, 2026
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