MANILA, Philippines — Filipino motorists are in for another painful hit at the pump as fuel prices rise starting Tuesday, August 18, ending two consecutive weeks of price rollbacks and putting fresh pressure on household budgets, transport operators and businesses.
The Department of Energy (DOE) announced Monday that gasoline prices will increase by ₱2.49 per liter, diesel by ₱3.84 per liter, and kerosene by ₱5.01 per liter. The new prices will remain in effect from August 18 to 24, 2026.
The ₱5.01-per-liter increase in kerosene is the biggest adjustment among the three major petroleum products. Gasoline, meanwhile, will rise by ₱2.49 per liter across RON 91, RON 95 and RON 97 grades, while diesel—including Diesel Plus—will increase by ₱3.84 per liter.
FROM ROLLBACK TO ANOTHER PRICE SHOCK
The latest increase comes just one week after motorists received substantial relief at fuel stations.
Last week, gasoline prices dropped by ₱4.70 per liter, diesel by ₱4.30, and kerosene by ₱4.90. The latest increases therefore erase a significant portion of the previous week’s rollback, particularly for diesel and kerosene users.
The reversal had already been anticipated by the oil industry.
Earlier estimates reported by Inquirer placed the possible increase at around ₱3.75 to ₱4.25 per liter for diesel and ₱2.50 to ₱3 per liter for gasoline, based on movements in the Mean of Platts Singapore (MOPS), the regional benchmark used in determining local fuel prices. The final DOE adjustments came in at ₱3.84 for diesel and ₱2.49 for gasoline.
WHY ARE FUEL PRICES RISING AGAIN?
The latest increase is being driven by renewed pressure in the international oil market.
Reports from GMA News said the earlier optimism surrounding a possible peace agreement and the reopening of traffic through the Strait of Hormuz faded, contributing to higher world oil prices. The Strait is a crucial energy shipping route, making developments in the region particularly important for oil-importing countries such as the Philippines.
Philstar likewise reported that global oil supply remains under pressure amid geopolitical tensions and disruptions affecting major shipping routes. The report also noted continuing uncertainty surrounding the US-Iran situation and the Strait of Hormuz.
ABS-CBN News separately reported that substantial increases in diesel and gasoline were expected in the third week of August, reinforcing the outlook that the brief period of falling pump prices was coming to an end.
NO IMMEDIATE FUEL-SUPPLY SHORTAGE
Despite the price increase, the DOE said the country’s fuel inventory remains adequate.
As of August 14, the Philippines had estimated supply equivalent to about 55.26 days for gasoline, 57.55 days for diesel and 164.01 days for kerosene. Jet fuel stood at 111.86 days, while fuel oil had 49.79 days of supply and LPG 40.22 days.
This means the immediate problem is price volatility rather than an imminent nationwide fuel shortage.
WHAT THIS MEANS FOR FILIPINOS
The impact will not stop at gas stations.
Higher diesel prices can raise operating costs for public utility vehicles, delivery trucks, agricultural machinery and businesses dependent on transportation. Gasoline increases can likewise affect private motorists, motorcycle riders and small businesses that rely on fuel-powered vehicles.
The effect can eventually spread to the prices of goods and services as businesses adjust to higher transportation and logistics expenses.
For ordinary consumers, the latest increase is another reminder of how quickly global geopolitical developments can translate into higher costs at the local pump.
And while the Philippines currently has sufficient fuel stocks, the bigger question is whether the latest increase will be temporary—or the beginning of another round of sustained price hikes.
For now, motorists have one clear deadline: prepare for higher pump prices beginning Tuesday, August 18. The next question is how long they will stay there.
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