Some gasoline stations in parts of Metro Manila have reportedly increased their fuel prices ahead of the scheduled adjustment set by the Department of Energy (DOE), despite repeated reminders that price changes should only take effect on Tuesdays.

According to a report by RH Edniel Parrosa, several gasoline stations along Shaw Boulevard in Mandaluyong City had already adjusted their prices on Monday, March 9, particularly in the stretch from the corner of Nueve de Febrero in Barangay Addition Hills up to EDSA Crossing.

The early price increases have raised concern among motorists since the area is a major route for public utility vehicles such as jeepneys, tricycles as well as taxis.

At one Petron branch along the route, gasoline previously priced at P54.90 per liter last week was already selling at P59.40 on Monday.

Meanwhile, a Phoenix station that sold gasoline at P54.40 per liter last week was now offering it at P60.39. Its diesel, which was previously priced at P56.80 per liter, was listed at around P52.89.

At Shell, gasoline that previously cost P58.89 per liter last week had risen to P60.39, while diesel increased from P61.90 to P62.69.

Not all gasoline stations in the area, however, implemented early price adjustments. A SeaOil station in the same stretch had no price displayed because it had run out of gasoline and diesel supply.

According to one of its staff members, their branch has yet to receive a new delivery.

“Wala pa po kaming delivery sa ngayon, tsaka hindi namin alam kung kelan magkaka-delivery. [Meron sa ngayon ay] E97 Premium Blue,” the staff member said, noting that the available E97 premium gasoline was priced at P57.50 per liter.

One driver said they had no choice but to purchase the remaining fuel available, especially if it was cheaper than other stations.

“Walang magagawa eh kung iyon ang natira kasi ito na iyong pinaka-mura din kumpara sa ibang gasolinahan. Siyempre kung saan iyong pinaka-mura, doon kami,” the driver said.

In a previous interview, DOE Secretary Sharon Garin said the agency would investigate complaints against gasoline stations allegedly violating pricing regulations.

Under existing guidelines, oil companies are expected to implement fuel price adjustments every Tuesday. The DOE earlier said oil firms had agreed to implement a staggered increase for petroleum products this week.

Meanwhile, some gasoline stations in Manila City were also experiencing limited fuel supply following a surge of motorists rushing to refuel ahead of the expected price hike, as reported by RH Boy Gonzales.

Several stations reported running out of diesel at certain times, prompting attendants to inform drivers in advance that supplies had already been depleted.

Other stations were operating with only part of their facilities open, though they still had sufficient fuel supply.

In the Dimasalang area, some stations were temporarily closed due to limited supply, while others said their weekend closures were scheduled.

As of Monday, diesel prices in parts of Metro Manila ranged from about P61.91 to P68.49 per liter, while special diesel was priced between P63.49 and P69.99. Unleaded gasoline ranged from P59.80 to P61.50 per liter, while special gasoline prices ranged from P61.29 to as high as P70 per liter.

Some gasoline station attendants also reported that their fuel prices were around P60 per liter last Friday, had already risen to at least P68 earlier Monday, saying their management allowed the adjustment before Tuesday.

The anticipated oil price increase is also expected to affect the cost of basic goods in the coming days.

Industry observers attribute the rising fuel prices to escalating tensions in the Middle East, a major source of global oil supply.