MANILA, Philippines — Former Department of Energy Secretary Jericho Petilla has warned that fuel prices in the Philippines are unlikely to return to previous levels, citing ongoing global instability and damage to oil infrastructure in key producing regions.

In a recent interview, Petilla shared his “fearless forecast,” stating that gasoline prices may no longer drop to around ₱60 per liter in the foreseeable future. According to him, persistent conflicts in oil-producing countries—particularly in the Middle East—have significantly disrupted supply chains. Damage to refineries and oil extraction facilities has reduced output, creating long-term pressure on global oil prices.

Even if tensions ease in some areas, Petilla emphasized that the scale of destruction left behind will continue to affect supply. This, in turn, keeps fuel prices elevated, impacting economies that rely heavily on imported oil, such as the Philippines.

To mitigate the effects, Petilla suggested measures such as government assistance and “demand management,” which includes reducing consumption and promoting efficiency. However, he acknowledged that the government cannot fully shoulder the burden of rising fuel costs, making it necessary for the public to adjust expectations and prepare for sustained higher prices.

The warning highlights a deeper issue beyond short-term price spikes. It underscores the vulnerability of energy-dependent nations to global disruptions and raises questions about the urgency of transitioning to more sustainable and locally sourced energy alternatives.

As fuel prices continue to fluctuate, one question remains: Are we prepared to adapt to a future where high energy costs become the new normal, or will we continue relying on temporary solutions?

(Larawan mula: Visayas State University, ThoughtCo)