DOE, oil firms adopt staggered fuel hikes

Several oil companies agreed to implement staggered pump price adjustments beginning Tuesday, March 10, after consultations with the Department of Energy amid continued volatility in international oil prices tied to developments in the Middle East, the agency said.

The DOE said the phased adjustments will be rolled out over several days to soften the immediate impact on motorists, public utility vehicle operators and drivers, delivery riders, and businesses that depend on fuel for daily operations.

The department welcomed the cooperation of oil industry players and called on more companies to adopt similar measures in the interest of consumer welfare.

The initiative forms part of the government’s broader effort to protect consumers, promote fair market practices, and ensure the continuous availability of petroleum products nationwide, according to the DOE.

The DOE also urged motorists to compare gasoline stations in their areas that offer competitive prices and fuel discount programs.

The department said it continues to publish and update information on participating stations to help consumers manage fuel expenses during the current period of oil-market pressure.

At the same time, the DOE said it will keep monitoring developments in the Middle East and maintain coordination with oil companies to help ensure fair pricing practices and safeguard consumer welfare.

The agency reiterated its call for the public to remain mindful of fuel use and adopt practical fuel-saving measures while global market conditions remain uncertain.

The move comes as global oil markets remain highly sensitive to the conflict involving Iran and the risk of supply disruption in and around the Strait of Hormuz, a critical route for crude shipments from the Middle East.

The DOE had earlier ordered stricter compliance with fuel pricing rules and intensified nationwide monitoring ahead of the March 10 price adjustment, signaling a broader regulatory push as pump prices came under renewed pressure.

While the department did not disclose in the release how much of the scheduled increase each participating company would stagger, the policy direction was clear: spread out price hikes where possible to cushion the effect on consumers without disrupting supply.

For transport operators, delivery workers, and small businesses, even short-term relief can matter because fuel costs feed directly into fares, logistics expenses, and retail prices.

That makes staggered adjustments a limited but immediate buffer while global oil prices remain unstable.