How much did pump prices increase since the Middle East war began on February 28?

The Philippines has been reeling from a series of mega oil price hikes for about a month since Iran restricted access to the Strait of Hormuz, a critical corridor that serves as access to a fifth of the world’s petroleum, in retaliation for the joint attacks made by the US and Israel on February 28, 2026.

Local pump prices have increased exponentially since the Middle East war broke out.

Prevailing retail prices of Petroleum products NCR (Feb. 24 to March 2, 2026)

From the week prior to the US-Israel attack against Iran (February 24 to March 2, 2026) until the fourth week of the crisis (March 24 to 30, 2026), pump prices in Metro Manila increased by high double-digits, data from the Department of Energy (DOE) showed.

Gasoline prices increased between 34% to 43%, while diesel prices went up by about 50%.

Kerosene price, meanwhile, saw a 45% jump since the outbreak of the global oil crisis.

Prevailing retail prices of Petroleum products NCR (March 24 to 30, 2026)

Super Premium Gasoline

In particular, the overall price range of Super Premium gasoline (RON 97/100) grew by 34% or P34.07 to P34.0 per liter from P52.20 to P77.03 per liter price range on February 24 to March 2 to a price range of P86.90 to P111.10 per liter on March 24 to 30.

Premium Gasoline

Premium gasoline (RON 95) saw a 43% jump or an increase of P34.87 to P34.99 per liter, bringing its overall price range to P84.99 to P108.90 per liter from a price range of P50.00 to P74.03 per liter a week before the onset of the crisis.

Regular gasoline

Regular gasoline (RON 91) prices, likewise, rose by 43% or by P35.00 to P37.71 per liter with its overall price ranging from P84.00 to P101.20 per liter for the March 24 to 30 week, up from the pre-Middle East war price range of P49.00 to P63.49 per liter.

Regular diesel

Regular diesel, meanwhile, posted an increase of about 49% or an increment of P57.00 to P66.51 per liter, bringing its overall price range to P105.00 to P131.90 per liter from its pre-conflict price range of P48.00 to P65.39 per liter.

Premium diesel

Premium diesel saw the highest increase of 50% since the war broke out at the end of February. Its price range spiked by P62.70 to P66.59 per liter, bringing its overall price range to P119.50 to P140.20 per liter from P56.80 to P73.61 per liter before the war.

Kerosene

Kerosene prices, moreover, climbed by around 45% or by P62.60 to P67.90 per liter, with its overall price range at P140.00 to P166.79 per liter from P77.40 to P98.89 per liter pre-Middle East conflict price range.

On the very first week following the onset of the Middle East war, fuel firms announced increases of P1.90 per liter for gasoline, P1.20 per liter for diesel, and P1.50 per liter for kerosene.

For the March 24 to 30 week, oil retailers implemented price hikes on a staggered basis ranging from P8.00 to P11.50 per liter for gasoline, P15.00 to P18.45 per liter for diesel, and from P10.00 to P23.00 per liter kerosene.

For this week, March 31 to April 6, fuel firms announced another round of price hikes.

Below are the companies that have made advisories so far for the week:

Petro Gazz

• Gasoline: + P2.50
• Diesel: + P12.50

Petron Corp.

• Gasoline: + P1.90 per liter
• Diesel: + P11.90 per liter
• Kerosene: + P1.40 per liter

Seaoil Philippines Corp.

• Gasoline: No increase
• Diesel: + P12.50 per liter
• Kerosene: + P2.00 per liter

Shell Pilipinas Corp.

• Gasoline: + P2.90 per liter
• Diesel: + P12.90 per liter
• Kerosene: + P2.40 per liter

Unioil Petroleum Philippines Corp.

• Gasoline: + P2.50 per liter
• Diesel: + P12.50 per liter

President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. last week declared a state of national energy emergency and ordered the adoption of a Unified Package for Livelihoods, Industry, Food, and Transport (UPLIFT), to ensure energy supply stability, and support key sectors such as transport, agriculture, and micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).

The DOE said Monday that the Philippines now has a 50.94-day supply of petroleum products. The country expects to receive more in the coming months amid the growing conflict between the United States and Iran in the Middle East. — BAP, GMA News