27/03/2026
⚠️ IMPORTANT UPDATE:
Major Price Hikes Effective April 1, 2026
The energy sector in the Philippines is facing a historic emergency due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, leading to significant increases in essential services. Here’s what you need to know about the price hikes starting this week.
1. LPG (Liquefied Petroleum Gas) – RECORD-BREAKING INCREASE
Industry leaders like Regasco have confirmed the largest single LPG price hike in Philippine history. This increase is primarily due to the conflict disrupting supply lines in the Strait of Hormuz, driving up international contract prices and quadrupling shipping costs.
Expected Price Increase: P30.00 to P40.00 per kilogram.
Total for an 11kg Tank:
Old Price: Approx. P992 – P1,076
New Price: Expect to pay P1,300 to P1,500 per tank.
Effective: April 1, 2026.
2. ELECTRICITY (Meralco) – DOUBLE-DIGIT SPIKE IN APRIL BILL
The high cost of fuel has driven electricity spot market prices up, forcing power distributors like Meralco to increase their generation charge.
Expected Price Increase: P4.00 per kilowatt-hour (kWh).
What this means for you:
If your household consumes 200 kWh monthly, your bill will see an increase of approximately P800.00.
Effective: This hike will appear on your April 2026 billing statement.
(Note: The ERC is currently negotiating with generation companies to see if this increase can be staggered over a few months to lessen the immediate impact.)
3. DIESEL – CONTINUED VOLATILITY
Diesel prices continue to rise in response to world market fluctuations.
Expected Price Increase: P6.50 per liter.
Effective: Ongoing, reflecting latest weekly trading.
Why is this happening?
This is a result of a "perfect storm" in global energy markets. The war in the Middle East has created an energy emergency by blocking critical shipping routes. Because the Philippines imports the vast majority of its crude, gas, and finished fuel products, consumers must bear the cost of the international price surge.
Government Response
The Marcos Jr. administration has authorized measures to ease the burden, including:
Suspending fuel excise taxes (if triggers are met).
Implementing a four-day workweek for government employees to conserve energy.
💡 What You Can Do (Energy-Saving Tips)
With these costs, every bit of conservation helps your budget.
To Save on LPG:
Check for Leaks: Ensure all connections are tight. A tiny leak is wasted money.
Use a Cover: Always use lids on pots when cooking; food cooks faster.
Prepare First: Chop all ingredients before turning on the burner.
Optimal Flame: Keep the flame blue. A yellow flame means incomplete combustion and wasted gas.
To Save on Electricity:
Unplug Vampires: Disconnect chargers, TVs, and appliances when not in use.
Aircon Settings: If using air conditioning, set it to a comfortable 24°C–25°C. Lowering it just 1°C significantly increases consumption.
LED Bulbs: Switch to energy-efficient LED lights.
Clean Filters: Clean aircon and refrigerator coils regularly so they operate efficiently.
