Motorists across the Philippines will see a mixed bag of changes at the fuel pumps this week, marking the first adjustment to petroleum product costs for the year 2026.
First Fuel Price Movement for 2026
Major oil companies have announced a price adjustment set to take effect on Tuesday, January 6, 2025. This move represents the initial shift in fuel costs for the new year, setting the tone for the energy market's opening weeks.
In advisories released to the public, industry players including Pilipinas Shell, Seaoil, Cleanfuel, PetroGazz, Caltex, PTT, and Jetti confirmed the scheduled changes. The adjustments are scheduled to be implemented starting at 6 a.m. on Tuesday, January 6.
Specific Price Changes Per Liter
The price movement is not uniform across all fuel types. Consumers will need to prepare for increases on some products while benefiting from a minor decrease on another.
For diesel users, the news brings a slight additional cost. The price of diesel will increase by P0.20 per liter. Similarly, the cost of kerosene will also rise by P0.10 per liter.
However, there is a silver lining for drivers of gasoline-powered vehicles. Contrary to the trend for other fuels, the price of gasoline will go down by P0.10 per liter. This rollback offers a small measure of relief for a segment of consumers.
Implications for Consumers and the Market
This mixed adjustment impacts various sectors differently. The increase in diesel prices directly affects public transportation, logistics, and goods delivery services, potentially contributing to slight inflationary pressure on transported goods.
The minor rollback in gasoline prices, while modest, provides a small financial reprieve for private vehicle owners. The simultaneous adjustment highlights the complex and often divergent pricing dynamics between different refined petroleum products based on global market forces and local factors.
As the first price movement of 2026, this adjustment will be closely watched by economists and consumers alike as an early indicator of energy cost trends for the coming year. Experts advise motorists and transport operators to factor these changes into their budgeting and planning.
