Fuel Prices to Rise Again, But Less Steeply; Piston Strike Continues

Manila, Philippines – Fuel prices in the Philippines are set to increase for the tenth consecutive week, with diesel expected to rise by ₱14 to ₱14.50 per liter and gasoline by ₱7 to ₱7.50 per liter, according to projections based on four days of trading with the Mean of Platts Singapore, the pricing index for refined goods in Southeast Asia.

The anticipated price hikes come as transport groups continue to protest the escalating cost of fuel. Piston, a prominent transport organization, held a second day of strikes on Friday, March 20, 2026, converging on Mendiola in Manila to voice their opposition to the ongoing increases.

The rising cost of diesel is of particular concern, according to industry analysts. Bloomberg News reported that diesel prices pose a significant risk to the broader economy due to their impact on transportation and logistics costs.

Manibela, an organization representing jeepney drivers and operators, is demanding that drivers be included in the government’s ₱5,000 fuel assistance program. Chairman Mar Valbuena questioned the disparity in aid distribution, asking why jeepney drivers have not received the same subsidy as tricycle drivers, despite consuming more diesel, carrying more passengers, and facing increasing financial pressures. “Whether it rains, the sun blazes, a storm comes, an earthquake strikes, every kind of calamity, disaster and suffering, we ‘drivers’ are here, ready to serve the ‘commuters’ whatever the challenge of the weather and the struggle of life, now where are we?” Valbuena stated in a text message to The Manila Times.

The government has already announced a ₱5,000 fuel subsidy for tricycle and jeepney drivers in Metro Manila, beginning March 17. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. Recently ordered a suspension of planned public transport fare hikes in response to the growing concerns.

Senator Risa Hontiveros has called for an expansion of government assistance to include the most vulnerable sectors, and has requested clarification from the Department of Budget and Management regarding the potential repurposing of ₱30 billion allocated under the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s (DSWD) Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations program. Hontiveros argued that current aid programs exclude many transport workers who, while not classified as indigent, are experiencing significant financial hardship. “Our drivers are struggling to earn a living and are already in debt, and the P1 fare hike has even been suspended. Let’s not wait for the entire public transport system to be paralyzed before we help,” she said.

The DSWD assured transport workers that all qualified beneficiaries will receive aid, including those who missed earlier distributions, and is establishing special payout schedules through local government units to accommodate those previously unserved. Secretary Rexlon Gatchalian stated that payouts will continue in key areas, including Quezon City, and will expand to other transport sectors and areas nationwide after Holy Week, in coordination with the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board and local government units.

In an effort to mitigate the impact of rising fuel prices, the Department of Transportation announced that private tollway concessionaires, including San Miguel Corp. And Metro Pacific Tollways Corp., will implement a two-month discount program for public utility vehicles, public utility buses, and freight vehicles on major tollways, starting March 23.

President Marcos Jr. Stated on Friday that manufacturers have agreed to maintain stable prices for as long as possible to lessen the impact of the situation in the Middle East on essential commodities. He also assured the public that the country has an adequate food supply, both currently and in the long term.

Trade Secretary Cristina Roque reported that the Department of Trade and Industry has not received any reports of hoarding or profiteering, and reminded the public to monitor prices and report any unauthorized increases through the agency’s hotline or website.

Germany is also considering a windfall tax on oil companies amid rising fuel prices, according to reports from DW News.