Oil Shock Alert: Bakit Pwedeng Sumipa Pa ang Presyo ng Fuel

A fresh global oil scare is building after crude pushed back above $110 per barrel, with analysts warning prices could still jump far higher if the Middle East war keeps disrupting supply. A big part of the pressure comes from the Strait of Hormuz, a key route for global crude shipments, which has been largely shut to most tankers since the conflict escalated.

According to The Manila Times report, some analysts now see $150 per barrel as a realistic scenario if the war drags on, while others place possible prices in the $130 to $140 range. One more aggressive forecast from Macquarie even pointed to $200 oil if the crisis remains unresolved into June, so hindi ito simpleng short-term kaba lang sa market.

The International Energy Agency and major oil-producing countries are already trying to cushion the blow by releasing emergency reserves, but analysts quoted in the report said those volumes still fall short of the supply missing from the market. Damage to around 40 key energy facilities has also made the situation harder to stabilize, adding to fears that April could hit consumers harder than March.

For the Philippines, the impact could be immediate at the pump. Industry estimates cited in the story said diesel may rise by around P17 to P19 per liter next week, while gasoline could climb by P3 to P5 per liter. Local talks with Iran over safe passage for Philippine-bound oil shipments may help cool prices later, pero habang sarado o restricted ang Hormuz route, tight pa rin ang supply.

Authorities are also watching for profiteering and hoarding as Holy Week demand and delivery disruptions add more stress to the market. Malacañang separately dismissed viral claims of an upcoming energy lockdown as fake news, but the broader fuel problem is very real, and Filipino households could soon feel another painful round of price hikes.

Source: The Manila Times

https://www.manilatimes.net/2026/04/04/news/oil-surge-beyond-150barrel-feared/2314082