Philippine Fuel Retailers Raise Diesel by P2.31 per Liter

Philippine fuel retailers will raise pump prices on August 25, adding P2.31 per liter to diesel and P1.08 per liter to gasoline.

The adjustment extends a second consecutive week of increases across Metro Manila and provincial networks, following a sharp rise on August 18 when diesel jumped P3.84 and gasoline gained P2.49. Kerosene will also climb by P0.95 per liter for the week of August 25 to 31, according to Department of Energy pricing data.

What Drives the Regional Surge

Dubai crude climbed roughly $8.90 per barrel during trading between August 10 and 14, driving refined product benchmarks higher across Asia. International diesel prices climbed $11.40 per barrel over the same period, while international gasoline rose $6.50 per barrel.

Shipping constraints through the Strait of Hormuz contributed to the tighter supply outlook. Tanker transits through the passage dropped from 17 vessels on August 10 to 16 on August 11, reflecting persistent friction between Iranian and US-Israeli forces.

Transport Costs and Supply Chains

Rising pump prices squeeze operating margins for regional delivery fleets and retail logistics networks across the archipelago. The Philippines imports almost all of its fuel requirements, making freight and retail transport immediately sensitive to movements in global oil benchmarks and foreign exchange rates.

Current retail levels sit well above baseline figures recorded in February. Prior to the escalation in Middle East maritime disputes, common retail prices in Metro Manila stood at P55.00 per liter for diesel and P56.00 per liter for RON95 gasoline.

Russia also maintained its export ban on diesel during the August trading cycle, limiting replacement cargoes for Asian buyers and keeping regional diesel prices firm.

Energy authorities will monitor crude throughput and tanker traffic through the Persian Gulf during the next trading window to assess adjustments for the first week of September.