Motorists across the Philippines should brace for another round of steep fuel price hikes next week, with diesel expected to rise by up to P15 per liter and gasoline by as much as P12 per liter, according to industry sources and the Department of Energy. The increases are linked to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, which has disrupted global oil supply and driven prices to multi-year highs.

The Department of Energy confirmed that oil companies are preparing adjustments that will take effect starting Tuesday, March 17, 2026. This follows a series of staggered increases earlier in the week that already pushed diesel prices up by P17.50 to P24.25 per liter and gasoline by P7 to P13 per liter. Kerosene, widely used for cooking and aviation, saw even sharper hikes of P32 to P38.50 per liter.

Industry analysts warn that the upcoming adjustments could further strain household budgets and transport costs. The Manila Bulletin reported that domestic oil firms are considering another surge of around P18 per liter for diesel and P15 per liter for gasoline, though the pace of increases may be staggered to cushion the impact.

The geopolitical crisis escalated after the death of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in a joint U.S.-Israel airstrike, sparking fears of wider instability in the region. The conflict has already caused casualties, including overseas Filipino workers, and raised concerns about the safety of global energy supply chains.

Fuel retailers have agreed to spread out the hikes over several days rather than impose them all at once, with some stations implementing smaller daily increases of P2.50 per liter. This staggered approach is intended to soften the shock for consumers, but the cumulative effect remains significant.

Public transport operators and delivery services are expected to pass on the higher costs to commuters and customers, while inflationary pressures could ripple through food and essential goods. The Department of Energy has urged consumers to conserve fuel and prepare for continued volatility in global oil markets.

With the Philippines heavily dependent on imported petroleum, the government is monitoring developments closely and considering measures to mitigate the impact on vulnerable sectors. However, officials acknowledge that the country remains exposed to external shocks in the global energy market.

The looming hikes mark the ninth straight week of increases for gasoline and the eleventh for diesel and kerosene, underscoring the severity of the crisis. Motorists are advised to refuel ahead of Tuesday’s adjustments to save on costs before the new prices take effect.