Motorists could enjoy another round of fuel price cuts next week, but the relief may be short-lived for many Filipino families as cooking gas prices are expected to rise sharply in August.
Initial estimates based on four days of international oil trading indicate that gasoline and diesel prices may decrease by as much as ₱1 per liter, while kerosene could see a bigger rollback of up to ₱2 per liter.
The projected adjustments are:
- Gasoline: down by ₱0.50 to ₱1 per liter
- Diesel: down by ₱0.50 to ₱1 per liter
- Kerosene: down by ₱1.50 to ₱2 per liter
While drivers may welcome the possible savings at the pump, households relying on liquefied petroleum gas could be hit with another expense.
LPG prices are projected to increase by ₱3.67 per kilogram, equivalent to around ₱40.37 for a standard 11-kilogram cylinder.
For families already struggling with high food, electricity and transportation costs, the LPG increase could erase some of the savings brought by lower fuel prices.
The Department of Energy is expected to confirm the final petroleum price adjustments on Monday after the completion of the week’s international trading data.
The anticipated fuel rollback comes after global market prices declined during the July 27 to 31 trading period. Estimates showed diesel falling by about ₱0.90 per liter, gasoline by ₱1.50 per liter, and kerosene by ₱2 per liter.
Oil companies last adjusted local pump prices on July 28, when gasoline increased by ₱0.10 per liter, while diesel and kerosene decreased by ₱0.40 and ₱0.70 per liter, respectively.
The contrasting price movements leave consumers with mixed news: cheaper trips on the road, but a more expensive refill in the kitchen.
For many households, the question is simple—will the fuel rollback bring real relief, or will the LPG increase swallow the savings before families even feel them?