Motorists may face another punishing round at the pump next week, with diesel prices projected to climb by as much as P19 per liter — potentially pushing premium diesel beyond P170 and regular diesel close to P165 — as the conflict in the Middle East continues to strangle global fuel supply chains.
The estimate, drawn from Mean of Platts Singapore data covering March 30 to April 2, comes from an oil industry source tracking the widening gap between middle distillates and gasoline in international markets.
“Diesel supply continues to tighten as demand remains high, pushing the prices of middle distillates much higher relative to gasoline,” the source said.
Gasoline is not immune, but the projected increase is far smaller — between P3 and P5 per liter. If realized, super premium gasoline could settle near P120, premium around P117, and regular at roughly P110.
The industry source pointed to unresolved geopolitical risks as the key driver, noting that fears over prolonged disruptions have sent prices toward record levels. “Renewed fears of prolonged supply disruptions have pushed prices to all-time highs. Any serious talks with Iran could de-escalate the tensions and bring some relief to prices. However, until the Strait of Hormuz is reopened, supply will remain tight and prices supported,” the source said.
The new projections follow price hikes already implemented during the March 31 to April 6 window, when fuel retailers raised diesel by P14 per liter, gasoline by P2.90, and kerosene by P2.50, based on Department of Energy monitoring.
Taken together with all prior adjustments this year, DOE data shows that cumulative net increases now stand at P90.05 per liter for diesel, P78.10 for kerosene, and P48.20 for gasoline — figures that reflect 13 rounds of price movements since January.
