Diesel prices will increase by ₱2.62 to ₱4.62 per liter, and kerosene will rise by ₱2.22 to ₱4.22 per liter starting Tuesday, July 14, the Department of Energy (DOE) announced. The move follows renewed hostilities in the Middle East and threats to navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, which have pushed global oil prices higher.
This latest round marks the third consecutive week of diesel hikes for motorists. Gasoline adjustments are expected to be more muted, with retailers allowed to either lower or raise pump prices by up to ₱1.00 per liter depending on their individual supply costs. Actual retail changes will vary by company and take effect at 6 a.m. on Tuesday.
Energy Secretary Sharon Garin warned that if market volatility persists, the DOE may abandon its current system of permissible price ranges and revert to mandating specific fixed price adjustments beginning next week. The range system was adopted to give oil companies flexibility to reflect their differing supply costs, but officials say fixed amounts could better protect consumers from abrupt spikes during periods of high uncertainty.
The Philippines remains especially vulnerable to global oil shocks because it imports most of its fuel. Analysts say prices could stay elevated for months even after the Strait of Hormuz reopens, as shipping patterns normalize and Middle Eastern production ramps up. The U.S. Energy Information Administration earlier this year raised its 2026 Brent forecast, reflecting tighter market conditions.
The DOE said it remains hopeful global prices will ease eventually, but this week’s escalation has tempered that outlook. Motorists and transport operators across the country should prepare for higher operating costs in the near term.
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