Fuel Price Increases Trigger Queues as Government Confirms Adequate Supply
Motorists formed long lines at fuel stations in Quezon City on Monday night, March 23, 2026, anticipating scheduled price increases for fuel products set to take effect on Tuesday, March 24. This rush occurred despite reassurances from Energy Secretary Sharon Garin regarding domestic fuel availability.
Government Assures Supply Stability Until Mid-May
In an online briefing held on Tuesday, Energy Secretary Sharon Garin stated that the Philippines maintains adequate fuel supply until the second week of May. Based on discussions with fuel companies, the country currently has an average of approximately 45 days worth of supply across various fuel types.
Secretary Garin provided specific breakdowns of domestic supply durations:
- Gasoline: Expected to last for 53.14 days
- Diesel: Projected to be available for 45.82 days
- Kerosene: Estimated to sustain for 97.93 days
- Jet Fuel: Anticipated to remain for 38.62 days
- Fuel Oil: Forecasted to continue for 61.49 days
- Liquified Petroleum Gas: Predicted to last for 23.51 days
International Cooperation and Buffer Stock Development
The government has engaged in talks with supplier countries including South Korea, Japan, and China to ensure continuous fuel supply. Additionally, the Philippine National Oil Company has contracted approximately 400 barrels, with plans to order around 600 more barrels this week from various sources, valued at approximately PHP10 billion. This buffer stock aims to cover about one week's national requirement.
"We are building our buffer despite our limitations. Our team is hard at work trying to make sure that, even if it's only for one or two days, that's an important addition to ensure our country does not run dry," Secretary Garin emphasized during the briefing.
Current Fuel Price Increases and Economic Impact
During the same briefing, Secretary Garin announced that this week's fuel price increases, while smaller than previous weeks, remain significant. The increases range from PHP8 to PHP12 per liter for gasoline, PHP15 to PHP18 per liter for diesel, and PHP12 to PHP22 per liter for kerosene.
These price adjustments follow last week's rates where gasoline products ranged from PHP79.68 to PHP90.60 per liter, diesel from PHP92 to PHP126.20 per liter, and kerosene from PHP99.99 to PHP143.79 per liter.
Secretary Garin acknowledged that these increases will substantially impact the transport industry, manufacturing sector, and household purchasing power, attributing the situation to developments in the Middle East. She noted that several government agencies are implementing measures to mitigate the effects of surging oil prices on their focused clients.
Supply Security and Anti-Hoarding Appeal
Secretary Garin reassured the public that fuel supply remains sufficient, stating that current levels have not reached alarming thresholds. Regulatory requirements mandate a minimum of 15 days supply, but current reserves remain comfortably above this benchmark.
"Supply is still sufficient. It has not arrived at an alarming level because our regulations require 15 days, but so far, we have not gone down to 15 days. We are still at a comfortable level," she affirmed.
The Energy Secretary also appealed to the public to refrain from hoarding and profiteering, warning that such practices could adversely affect the nation's overall fuel supply.
Energy Conservation Initiatives Show Progress
Patrick Aquino, Director of the DOE Energy Utilization Management Bureau, reported during the briefing that energy audit teams have inspected approximately 400 government offices nationwide, achieving an 87 percent compliance rate with energy conservation measures.
Within the Department of Energy itself, implementation of a compressed workweek in alignment with Malacañang's directive has resulted in a 40 percent reduction in energy consumption since the work-from-home arrangement began on March 9.
