MANILA, PHILIPPINES — Filipino motorists are facing another week of extreme financial pressure at the pumps. For the third consecutive week, domestic oil firms have implemented massive price increases, pushing diesel costs toward the P135 per liter mark and gasoline past P110 in some areas.

This latest "mega hike" is the direct result of the intensifying conflict in the Middle East, which continues to destabilize global energy markets.

Breakdown of the latest pump prices

Data released by the Department of Energy (DOE) for the week of March 24 to 30, 2026, reveals a dramatic shift in retail fuel costs:

Diesel: Prices jumped between P15.00 and P18.00 per liter. This brings the common price range to P107.00 – P134.30, while premium diesel variants could go as high as P144.20.
Gasoline: Adjustments ranged from P8.00 to P12.00 per liter. Consumers can expect to pay anywhere from P82.60 for low-octane fuel to P112.40 for high-performance RON97.
Kerosene: Households using kerosene saw the steepest climb, with increases between P12.00 and P22.00, pushing prices up to a maximum of P165.79 per liter.

Oil companies lead the charge

Major and independent players have already adjusted their boards as of Tuesday morning. Petron and Jetti Petroleum implemented their hikes at 6:00 a.m., with Petron raising kerosene by a massive P21.50 per liter. Cleanfuel also updated its rates, opting for a staggered P8.40 increase for diesel alongside a one-time P9.40 jump for gasoline.

Energy Secretary Sharon Garin confirmed during a virtual briefing that the volatility remains tied to overseas hostilities. While the DOE noted a slight slowdown in the rate of international price increases compared to last week, the local impact remains severe.

"This is a significant jump," Garin noted, warning that the sustained high costs will likely erode the purchasing power of Filipino households and place a heavy burden on the logistics and transportation sectors.