Energy Secretary Sharon Garin warned of a possible fuel price increase starting April 20, following a rollback announced by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. effective April 14. She attributed this to uncertainties involving US President Donald Trump and Middle East conflicts. Garin shared this during a Senate PROTECT committee hearing on April 13.
Energy Secretary Sharon Garin issued the warning during a Senate PROTECT (Proactive Response and Oversight for Timely and Effective Crisis Strategy) committee hearing on Monday, April 13, citing the unpredictability of US President Donald Trump and parties involved in the Middle East conflict as reasons for a potential fuel price rise the week of April 20.
Garin noted that oil market prices had fallen following a ceasefire announcement on Wednesday, April 8, but began rising again after Trump's threat of a blockade in the Strait of Hormuz. "The rollback tomorrow (Tuesday) is for sure. If there’s an increase, it will be the following week," she told senators.
Transportation Undersecretary Mark Steven Pastor reported that P1.4 billion in subsidies remain undistributed to public transport operators and drivers, with the department requesting an additional P5 billion for the service contracting program. For instance, of 21,000 intended public utility bus driver beneficiaries, fewer than 2,000 have received aid; for 1,138 mini-bus beneficiaries, only just over 100 have.
Department of Economy, Planning and Development Secretary Arsenio Balisacan stated that the government may require an extra P11 billion to assist affected operators and drivers in Metro Manila alone. He added that the P238 billion allocated in this year’s General Appropriations Act might last only three months, with around P125 billion released so far.
