Amid escalating tensions in the Middle East and expected significant fuel price hikes in the Philippines, Vice President Sara Duterte calls on government agencies and local units to implement measures to mitigate the economic impact.
Vice President Sara Duterte has urged Philippine government agencies to take swift action to address the anticipated sharp increase in fuel prices next week, largely attributed to ongoing conflicts in the Middle East. In a public statement released on her official Facebook page on March 7, 2026, VP Sara called for local government units (LGUs) to conserve fuel by suspending non-essential activities that consume large amounts of energy, such as festival parades. She emphasized the importance of forming committees at the local level to monitor prices of basic commodities to prevent exploitation and price manipulation.
Duterte also encouraged the public to support local farmers and suppliers to help cushion the economic blow of rising pump prices. Practical advice included reducing unnecessary energy consumption through carpooling, bicycling, and adjusting schedules to limit frequent travel. She stressed the government’s responsibility to protect consumers, urging agencies to conduct regular inspections and to close businesses that violate pricing regulations.
Furthermore, the Vice President highlighted potential government interventions such as temporary subsidies, price caps on essential goods, targeted cash transfers to low-income families, fuel-efficient food distribution advisories, and incentives for public transportation use. She concluded by stressing community cooperation, promoting local products, and mindful energy usage as ways to alleviate the burdens of price hikes.
Her remarks come shortly after the Department of Energy (DOE) projected diesel prices could soar beyond eighty pesos per liter if staggered price adjustments are not implemented amid the Middle East conflict. Industry sources forecast gasoline prices to increase by approximately PHP 7.09 and diesel by PHP 15.33 per liter in the coming week.
The Vice President’s statements address both official economic concerns and the urgent need for coordinated responses to protect consumers and support local economies during this period of volatility.
Sources referenced:
- https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/979090/vp-sara-calls-on-gov-t-agencies-to-act-now-amid-expected-major-fuel-price-hikes/story/