In a move that has sparked concern among motorists and authorities, multiple fuel stations in Pampanga have implemented price increases over the weekend, flouting a direct warning from the Department of Energy (DOE). This action comes just days before a projected significant hike in fuel prices scheduled for Tuesday, March 10, 2026.
Premature Price Adjustments Defy Regulatory Directives
According to reports, several gas stations, excluding Petron and Rephil, raised their gasoline prices from P59.90 to P65 per liter on Sunday morning. Diesel prices saw an even steeper climb, ranging from P73 to P79 per liter, marking an increase of approximately P6 to P7. Kerosene prices followed suit, settling between P85 and P88 per liter.
These increases occurred mere hours after Philippine National Police (PNP) personnel were observed conducting inspections at gas stations in the City of San Fernando. These inspections were carried out at the request of DOE Region 3, highlighting the agency's proactive stance against premature price adjustments.
DOE Issues Stern Warning and Price Caps
Earlier in the week, the Department of Energy explicitly warned fuel retailers to refrain from increasing prices from March 6 to March 9. The agency mandated that prices remain stable until the official price adjustments are formally announced. To enforce this, the DOE set specific price ceilings for various fuel products during this period.
- Gasoline RON 97 should not exceed P76.50 per liter
- Premium gasoline (RON 95) must stay within the range of P50 to P71.04 per liter
- Unleaded gasoline (RON 91) is capped between P49 and P64.70 per liter
- Diesel prices are limited to P49 to P66.59 per liter
- Diesel plus should range from P56.80 to P74.81 per liter
- Kerosene must remain between P78.90 and P99.89 per liter
Legal Consequences for Violations
The Department of Energy has made it clear that oil companies and retailers who prematurely increase prices ahead of the official adjustment period will face serious sanctions and penalties. These penalties are for violations of Republic Act No. 8479, also known as the Downstream Oil Industry Deregulation Act of 1998, and Republic Act No. 7394, the Consumer Act of the Philippines.
Industry Response and Justification
A dealer from an oil firm, who spoke to SunStar Pampanga, defended the early price adjustments. The dealer claimed they had properly notified the DOE of the changes and informed motorists about the impending price hike. According to Department Circular No. DC2019-05-0008, oil companies are required to notify the DOE no later than 3 pm on the day before implementing any price adjustment, which should occur every Tuesday.
The dealer explained, "We notified the DOE. And the price increase is within the prescribed range. What we did is also preparation in case there is indeed a big price increase next week, so we can give customers a staggered increase as suggested by the government." Fuel stations are also mandated to maintain any adjusted price for the following seven days once implemented.
Impact on Public Utility Vehicle Operators
The sudden price hikes have dealt a heavy blow to public utility vehicle (PUV) operators and drivers. Serafin Gomez, a PUJ operator driver, expressed his frustration and helplessness in the face of rising fuel costs without corresponding fare increases.
"We can't do anything about this oil price increase. It's too high but there is no increase in fares, that's why we just have to work to earn. What we do now is ensure that our jeeps are filled with passengers on every trip. We hope that this war in Iran will end as we have nothing to do with it," Gomez lamented, highlighting how global conflicts indirectly affect local economies and livelihoods.
The situation underscores the ongoing challenges in balancing market dynamics with consumer protection, as authorities work to enforce regulations while fuel retailers navigate economic pressures and global oil market fluctuations.
