Dennis Gasgonia

Article (news)

Lyza Aquino

ABS-CBN News

MANILA - Motorists are bracing for another major fuel price hike next week, with diesel prices expected to rise by ₱20 to ₱22 per liter, adding further strain on drivers and commuters already struggling with soaring fuel costs. For transport network vehicle service (TNVS) driver Lito Picasso, the only option is to work longer hours to cope with the rising costs. “Minimum ng 500 ako. Wala na tayong magagawa diyan tyaga talaga. Dahil kaya ko full tank. Talagang mataas na ngayon,” Picasso said. He added that driving longer has become necessary just to maintain his income.<div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/business/2026/3/13/another-big-time-oil-price-hike-looms-amid-us-israel-iran-war-0755"> Another big-time oil price hike looms amid US, Israel-Iran war </a> </div>“Ito na po hanapbuhay ko, habaan nalang ang biyahe, start ka ng umaga, uuwi ka ng gabi. 12 oras lang talaga dapat, kaya lang lumalagpas na kasi wala kaming kumikita.” Beginning next week, fuel industry projections indicate that diesel prices may increase by ₱20 to ₱22 per liter, while gasoline could rise by ₱14 to ₱16 per liter, and kerosene by ₱7 to ₱9 per liter. If the projections materialize, diesel prices could reach around ₱100 per liter, while gasoline may exceed ₱90 per liter. For another TNVS driver, Danny Eneres, the situation may force him to temporarily stop driving. “Titignan ko kung matutuloy ko pa, pero baka huminto muna kasi napupunta lang sa gasolina, wala nang take home. ngayon everyday 2000 ang konsumo ko sa gasolina.” Meanwhile, the government is set to roll out fuel assistance starting Tuesday for tricycle drivers. Around 360,000 transport operators nationwide are expected to receive ₱5,000 in fuel subsidy. Lawmakers are also pushing to suspend excise taxes on petroleum products to help ease the burden on consumers. According to Rep. Terry Ridon, suspending the tax could significantly lower fuel prices. “So as big as P10 per liter ‘yung pong puwedeng ma-shave off sa presyo ng produktong petrolyo pagka po nasuspendi na ‘yung excise taxes. So malaking bagay po ito and hopefully within the next two weeks ay makapag-benepisyo na po at makinabang ang ating mga kababayan dito po sa intervention po ito.” The Automobile Association of the Philippines also supports measures to reduce fuel costs but says broader solutions are needed, including expanding remote work arrangements. Atty. Joe Ferreria, president of the organization, said removing fuel taxes could have a more immediate impact. “Ang mas impactful is yung kapag tinanggal mo yung excise taxes, or whatever taxes sa petrolyo, yun mismo, hindi mo na kailangan i-distribute yung pera.”<div> <a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/business/2026/3/12/oil-prices-jump-despite-strategic-reserve-release-0846">Oil prices jump despite strategic reserve release</a></div> He also suggested that the government consider expanding work-from-home arrangements for public employees. “Ang pinakamalaking employer sa Pilipinas ang gobyerno eh, mag-isip sila na i-expand ang work from home ng gobyerno without impairing the capacity of the government to function. Sila ang makakakita ng balanse, whether its two days- three days ano.” The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) said an initial assessment showed a slight decrease in the number of vehicles on major roads in Metro Manila following the implementation of the four-day workweek in government offices. MMDA General Manager Nicolas Torre III noted that traffic conditions improved slightly on key roads. “Although hindi rin siya kasing luwag ng weekend talaga, dahil magkaiba din ang characteristics ng weekend at ng kahapon ng first day ng pag-impose ng 4 days work week. Definitely medyo maluwag kahapon ang EDSA at C5, plus major arteries natin like Quezon Avenue, Commonwealth medyo lumuwag eh, dahil wala ngang pasok yung government offices. Nag-iba rin ang characteristics ng ating kalsada.” The MMDA said it will conduct scientific research and data gathering on traffic conditions in Metro Manila starting Monday to further evaluate the effects of the policy. Meanwhile, the Department of Energy continues to urge the public to report gas stations that implement overpricing or premature fuel price increases. The Department of Trade and Industry also warned that retailers found manipulating prices or hoarding essential goods will face penalties. Consumers may report abusive merchants through the DTI hotline 1-DTI or 1-384.<div> </div>

Motorists are bracing for another major fuel price hike next week, with diesel prices expected to rise by ₱20 to ₱22 per liter, adding further strain on drivers and commuters already struggling with soaring fuel costs.

Motorists are bracing for another major fuel price hike next week, with diesel prices expected to rise by ₱20 to ₱22 per liter, adding further strain on drivers and commuters already struggling with soaring fuel costs.

Fuel prices set for another sharp increase; some drivers consider halting operations

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Fuel prices set for another sharp increase; some drivers consider halting operations

Lyza Aquino,

ABS-CBN News

Published March 14, 2026 11:25 PM PHT

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Oil price hike

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