Economy
Fuel prices rise again across the board
September 30, 2026
Fuel prices continue their upward trek amid ongoing tensions in the Middle East (Photo credit: Inquirer)
What happened?
Effective September 22, diesel price jumped by ₱8.82/liter, gasoline by ₱4.88/liter, and kerosene by ₱6.47/liter, according to the Department of Energy. Over three weeks, diesel had increased to ₱18.31/liter. Middle East supply disruptions remained a key driver.
Insights
Household income is shrinking, while the cost of living is rising. People who earn their living on the road feel the oil price hike first. Drivers spend more on fuel and take home less from the same day’s work. In Pulse Asia’s July survey, 57% named inflation their most urgent concern. Among the top 10 nationwide concerns is the continued rise of gasoline with 13%, while in NCR, 25% highlighted their dissatisfaction with expensive fuel costs.
Notably, 77% disapproved of the administration’s handling of inflation and 59% of its efforts to lower gasoline prices. While the government has resumed its ₱12/liter fuel subsidy for eligible public transport drivers, consumers contend that the proposed excise-tax relief only covers LPG and kerosene—not diesel and gasoline. Transport group MANIBELA has called for the removal of excise tax and VAT on fuel to bring down pump prices, along with a fare increase to help drivers and operators cope with rising costs.