Nelson Morales

Motorists line up at a gasoline station along Philcoa in Diliman, Quezon City on Friday, March 6, in a rush to refuel ahead of the expected fuel price increase next week. Long queues of cars and motorcycles formed as drivers tried to fill up before the anticipated hike in gasoline and diesel prices.  Maria Tan, ABS-CBN News

Article (news)

OIL PRICE HIKE

Allison Co

ABS-CBN News

MANILA — Fuel prices have increased for the fifth straight week amid war in the Middle East, putting pressure on transport workers and prompting questions over the government’s response.Public utility vehicle drivers say the continued increases are cutting deeply into their daily earnings.Taxi driver Tim Loreto, a senior citizen, said he can no longer afford a full tank and now relies on limited trips to cover fuel costs.“Nakatatlong pasahero ako simula lumabas ako alas-sais… Kulang talaga ‘yun. Pangkarga lang ng gas yun wala pang boundary kita,” he said.(I&#x27;ve had three passengers since I started at 6 a.m. That&#x27;s not enough. That only covers gas, not even boundary.)Many public utility drivers pay fixed amounts, or boundary, to operators and take home what is left after fuel costs.Transport groups echoed the concern, with Manibela chair Mar Valbuena questioning the impact of recent government actions meant to secure oil supply.“Kung puro pagtaas din ang petrolyo, ano ang silbi noong pagdaan natin doon sa Strait of Hormuz?” he said, referring to efforts to ensure the safe passage of Philippine-linked vessels.(What use was the agreement on the Strait of Hormuz if fuel prices keep rising?)He added that continued increases in fuel prices are affecting not only drivers but also workers across sectors, including farmers and fisherfolk.He said the buffer supply of fuel seems to have failed to stabilize prices.Energy Secretary Sharon Garin earlier <a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2026/4/5/ph-energy-chief-clarifies-impact-of-country-s-hormuz-clearance-from-iran-0024">clarified</a> that ensuring access through the Strait of Hormuz does not immediately translate to lower fuel prices.She said the move is aimed at maintaining supply stability and protecting Filipino seafarers and cargo amid potential disruptions in the region.“But what this does is help ensure continuity of supply and stability, especially at a time when further disruptions could significantly affect our economy and our people,” she said.For Loreto, however, the measures come too late, saying the government should have made arrangements as early as November. The US and Israel launched strikes on Iran on February 28 while talks were ongoing on its nuclear program.According to Oman, which had been facilitating negotiations, parties were close to a deal when America and Israel attacked without warning.The Presidential Communications Office (PCO), led by acting secretary Dave Gomez, urged the public to rely on verified information amid growing online criticism and warned against the spread of disinformation.“We urge citizens, media partners and stakeholders to rely on official briefings and verified information. Let us work together to prevent the manipulation of critical energy information for personal or political gain,” Gomez said in a statement.Since March 10, fuel prices have increased sharply, with gasoline up by P31 per liter, diesel by P70.70 per liter, and kerosene by P67.75 per liter.As prices continue to climb, transport workers and commuters alike face mounting costs, with no immediate relief in sight.<div> </div><div>RELATED STORY:</div><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2026/4/2/dfa-iran-to-allow-safe-passage-of-ph-flagged-ships-seafarers-through-strait-of-hormuz-1726">DFA: Iran to allow safe passage of PH-flagged ships, seafarers through Strait of Hormuz</a></div>

Fuel prices have increased for the fifth straight week amid war in the Middle East, putting pressure on transport workers and prompting questions over the government’s response.

Fuel prices have increased for the fifth straight week amid war in the Middle East, putting pressure on transport workers and prompting questions over the government’s response.

Drivers question government response after 5 weeks of fuel price hikes

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Drivers question government response after 5 weeks of fuel price hikes

Allison Co,

ABS-CBN News

Published April 05, 2026 03:15 PM PHT

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Oil price hike

Middle East

Transportation

Fuel

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