April 21, 2026
MANILA – The government can now limit fuel price hikes or set a minimum rollback on pump prices, as the global market continues to face uncertainties amid the war in the Middle East.
In a media briefing Monday, Energy Secretary Sharon Garin said the state of national energy emergency declared by President Marcos gives the government more authority to dictate or cap price adjustments.
READ: diesel-prices-to-drop-by-nearly-p25-liter-on-april-21
“So that’s our new rule now. That’s because of the issuance of the executive order, which triggered the additional powers of government to prescribe the price during these times of emergency,” she told reporters.
Garin earlier said the government could not impose limits due to the Oil Deregulation Law that empowers oil companies to set their own prices.
Since the war erupted last Feb. 28, Filipinos have been shelling out more for fuel products, particularly diesel.
But some relief was noted after a ceasefire was announced between the United States and Iran, with local fuel retailers implementing big-time rollbacks.
For this week alone, oil firms will have to cut diesel prices by at least P24.94 per liter; P3.41 for gasoline; and P2 for kerosene.