Motorists in Pangasinan rushed to gasoline stations on Monday, March 9, 2026 as a major fuel price hike loomed.

Long queues formed at several fuel stations, with many motorists opting to fully refuel their vehicles ahead of the expected adjustment.

The Department of Energy said petroleum products may increase by as much as P17 to P24 per liter. However, the agency noted that the price adjustment will be implemented in a staggered manner.

Some motorists said they were willing to wait in line to buy cheaper fuel.

“Ti-yaga na lang talagang pipila kasi dito lang ang mura, sa iba mahal na,” Dexter Dulay, a motorist, said.

Another driver, Jay-ar Villanueva, said they had already checked several stations before deciding to queue.

“Medyo dito kasi ang mura. Nag-ikot na kami, mahal sa iba kaya pipila talaga kami,” he said.

Even before the expected price hike, the Office of Civil Defense Region 1 has stepped up monitoring of gasoline stations to ensure that retailers follow the price range set by the government.

Director Laurence Mina said authorities conducted random checks and noted that some stations had already run out of supply.

“Nag-random check kami sa mga gasoline station. Nandoon pa naman sila sa price range na inilabas ng DOE. Sa amin may ilan na nag-out of stock, may mga nag-post sa Facebook na nakita namin,” Mina said.

Transport groups warned that the expected increase will heavily affect public utility drivers.

“Masasaktan kami talaga kaya ang tanging pag-asa naming ‘yung fuel subsidy na sana mag-release kaagad,” Bernard Tuliao, president of the One Pangasinan Transport Federation, said.

Some fuel stations in Casiguran, Aurora had already raised prices as early as March 8, with operators citing higher supplier costs.

Meanwhile, the local government of San Marcelino in Zambales created a municipal task force on fuel price monitoring under its disaster risk reduction council. The group will inspect gasoline retail stations and document pump prices to prevent profiteering.

The DOE warned fuel retailers against manipulating supply or claiming to be out of stock to wait for the higher prices. It also cautioned motorists against excessive buying.

Under the current pump price ceiling from March 6 to 9, gasoline prices should not exceed P76.50 per liter, diesel up to P74.81 per liter, and kerosene up to P99.89 per liter, according to the DOE.

Motorists in Iloilo and Bacolod also rushed to gas stations on Sunday, March 8.

“Syempre humabol tayo upang maka-save tayo. Kasi hindi natin alam, baka sumobra pa ang taas-presyo sa inaasahan natin,” Edgar Casamayo, one of those who rushed for gas, said.

Several stations in Iloilo were starting to run out of supply since Friday, March 6, while one in Jaro had not posted fuel prices. In Bacolod City, Christian said he also rushed to fill his tank.

“Mabigat na kung patuloy 'yung pagtaas. Mahihirapan kaming mag-catch up ng gasolina. Sana huwag umabot sa P100,” he said.

Fuel prices vary across stations: diesel ranges from P61 to P78 per liter, while gasoline costs between P68 and P69 per liter.

Authorities warned consumers that stations refusing to sell fuel, even with available supply, may face sanctions. The Department of Energy (DOE) issued show-cause orders to 54 stations nationwide for allegedly implementing illegal price increases.

“Ipapasara ko kayo pag hindi kayo nag-behave. Don’t take advantage of the situation. Ang perwisyo dito, sa bayan natin at sa taumbayan natin,” DOE Secretary Sharon Garin said.

Police Regional Office 6 reported an unauthorized price increase at a Roxas City station and is reviewing the case. Local governments in Western Visayas, including Iloilo City, are closely monitoring compliance. At one Jaro station, management posted strict rules banning the sale of fuel using containers or drums.

Meanwhile, a progressive group calling for the suspension of the Oil Deregulation Law and excise tax said reforms could help curb local fuel price spikes.

“Kung magagawa ito kaagad, mapipigilan ang pagtaas ng presyo [ng gatong]. Kailangan nating i-develop ang national oil industry para sa ganun, hindi tayo maapektuhan ng mga problema sa ibang bansa,” Elmer Forro, convenor of 'No to PUV Phaseout Coalition Panay', said.

(with reports from GMA Regional TV One Western Visayas)