Vice President Sara Duterte on Thursday, April 9, 2026, said fuel prices may go down if the country secures supply sources that do not need to pass through the Middle East.

Amid the ongoing crisis brought about by the Middle East conflict, Duterte said questions on what measures are being taken by the government should be directed to President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr.

“Paniwala ko kung ang tanong is ano ba dapat ang ginagawa ng pamahalaan ay dapat ay tanungin natin ang ating Pangulo. Ano ba ang ginagawa niya para tulungan ang mga kababayan natin na nahihirapan dahil dito sa epekto ng krisis sa Middle East,” Duterte said.

She added that oil prices are expected to continue rising as long as tensions persist in the Middle East. However, prices could go down if the government can find alternative supply routes or sources outside the region.

“Mapapababa siya kung magagawan nila ng paraan ‘yung problema sa supply doon sa Middle East or mapapababa siya kung merong ibang supply na hindi dumadaan sa Middle East na papasok sa ating bayan. So, hanggang merong bangayan sa Middle East, patuloy ang pagtaas ng presyo ng krudo,” Duterte said.

Despite the continuous fuel prices increases in the past weeks, motorists may get a sigh of relief next week following a reported two-week ceasefire between the United States and Iran.

Based on the Mean of Platts Singapore trading early this week, diesel by around P2 to P3 per liter while gasoline prices may drop by about P1 per liter next week.

The projections may still change depending on trading results until Friday, April 10.

Marcos earlier said that the Philippines would take advantage of the two-week ceasefire to help secure the country’s petroleum supply.