Rare Rollback for Diesel, Gasoline Seen Possible Next Week | INQToday

INQUIRER.net
INQUIRER.netApr 9, 2026

Why It Matters

Lower fuel costs could ease inflation pressures on households, while the budget reallocation and security upgrades aim to stabilize the economy and assert maritime sovereignty.

Key Takeaways

  • Diesel prices may drop up to 3.50 pesos per liter next week.
  • Gasoline could stay flat or fall by about 1 peso per liter.
  • President Marcos denies health rumors amid disinformation campaign.
  • Philippines Coast Guard opens new command center on Pagasa Island.
  • Budget cuts aim to free up 12.8‑25.6 billion pesos for fuel subsidies.

Summary

The video reports a rare potential dip in Philippine fuel prices next week, with diesel expected to fall as much as 3.50 pesos per liter and gasoline possibly edging down by a peso, following a tentative truce between the United States and Iran that has eased global oil market pressure.

Industry sources cite the three‑day average of the Singapore benchmark as the basis for the projected cuts, while noting that modest rebounds could still occur in the remaining trading sessions. The government is also weighing a 20% cut in non‑essential spending to free up between 12.8 and 25.6 billion pesos for targeted subsidies amid the oil shock.

President Marcos publicly dismissed circulating rumors about his health, with communications secretary Dave Gomez warning of a coordinated disinformation campaign. Coast Guard commandant Ronnie Hill Gavan highlighted the inauguration of a new command center on Pagasa Island, bolstering the Philippines’ presence in the contested South China Sea. Budget Secretary Rolando Toledo outlined the fiscal savings and the draft circular to channel them into assistance programs.

If the price dip materializes, consumers and transport operators could see immediate relief, while the government’s budget reallocation aims to cushion inflationary pressures. The expanded coast guard footprint underscores Manila’s strategic response to maritime tensions, and the crackdown on fake news seeks to preserve political stability during a period of economic and security challenges.

Original Description

Here’s a quick roundup of today’s top stories:
Rare rollback for diesel, gasoline seen possible next week
Palace slams ‘coordinated surge’of fake news about Marcos health
Philippines unveils new coast guard command in Spratlys
Fuel crisis: Cutting non-essential gov’t spending may save P25.6B - DBM
TD outside PAR may enter next week, Super Typhoon status not ruled out - Pagasa

Comments

Want to join the conversation?

Loading comments...