Staggered Price Hikes Expected on Tuesday (March 17), DOE Says
FUEL PRICE UPDATE – Various oil price companies are set to implement staggered price increases this week as global oil prices surged.
On Monday (March 16, 2026), gasoline stations in the Philippines announced staggered price increases this week instead of raising prices all at once. The measure will help soften the immediate impact on motorists.
The Department of Energy announced that some of the country’s major fuel companies will apply the increases in phases starting March 17, 2026 (Tuesday).
Companies such as Petron, Shell Pilipinas, and Flying V will distribute the price adjustments across three days from March 17 to March 19. Meanwhile, Seaoil and Total will implement their increases over two days from March 17 to March 18.
According to the Department of Energy, motorists should prepare huge price adjustments during the week. Gasoline prices are expected to increase by around P12.90 to P16.60 per liter. Diesel may rise between P20.40 and P23.90 per liter, while kerosene prices could climb by P6.90 to P8.90 per liter.
Once the full adjustments take effect, diesel prices may exceed P100 per liter in some areas, while gasoline could reach close to P90 per liter. These increases come after another round of major price hikes recorded just last week.
Economic experts warn that rising fuel costs may eventually affect the prices of many everyday goods since transportation and production rely heavily on oil. Economist Alvin Ang noted that temporary measures such as reducing fuel excise taxes could offer short-term relief, though such steps may not provide a lasting solution.
Meanwhile, lawmakers are discussing possible emergency measures that could allow President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to suspend or lower fuel taxes while the crisis continues.
This is a developing report, just visit this website regularly or refresh the page for forther updates.
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