Manila residents queue at stations as officials warn against hoarding ahead of a fuel price hike driven by Middle East war fears.
MANILA: Long queues formed at petrol stations across the Philippine capital as residents rushed to fill their tanks ahead of a steep government-announced increase in fuel prices.
The price surge, driven by global oil market disruptions from the US-Israeli war against Iran, will see staggered increases from Tuesday.
Energy Secretary Sharon Garin detailed the hikes, stating diesel would rise between 17 and 24 pesos per litre.
Normal gasoline will increase by seven to 13 pesos, while kerosene prices will jump between 32 and 38.50 pesos.
“You have to remember though that the price is not regulated by the Department of Energy,” Garin told reporters.
She explained the department can only monitor and ask for explanations, not impose controls.
At a Metro Manila station, attendant Enrico Guda said daily vehicle numbers had doubled to about 1,000.
“The line started 24 hours ago. Morning, afternoon, even at dawn,” he said.
University student Francis Aranda said the spike “hurts”, forcing him to plan to use only half his weekly fuel allowance.
Police have been instructed to inspect stations for evidence of profiteering or hoarding, according to spokesman Brigadier General Randulf Tuano.
The conflict has damaged regional oil facilities and disrupted shipping, sending global benchmark prices surging past $110 a barrel.
In response, President Ferdinand Marcos announced a four-day government work week to save fuel.
He has also called on Congress to authorise a reduction in excise taxes if crude prices breach $80 per barrel.
Ferry operators are also hiking fares, with Starlite Ferries imposing a 25% increase from Tuesday.
Montenegro Shipping Lines said its prices would rise 10-20% from March 23.
