.png)
Media Release
15 September 2026
DOE Clears Key Requirement for Fuel Tax Relief Amid Rising Pump Prices
Transport drivers and households facing higher fuel costs could move a step closer to relief after the Department of Energy (DOE) formally certified that the one-month average price of Dubai crude oil has reached the USD80-per-barrel threshold required under the law for the government to consider suspending or reducing excise taxes on petroleum products.
The certification comes as another increase in fuel prices from 15 to 21 September 2026, with gasoline increasing by ₱5.68 per liter, diesel by ₱4.31 per liter, and kerosene by ₱4.62 per liter amid sustained increases in international oil prices.
From 13 August to 11 September 2026, the average benchmark price of Dubai crude oil stood at US$99.41 per barrel, exceeding the US$80-per-barrel threshold prescribed under the law.
For public transport drivers, businesses, and families already adjusting their daily expenses to higher fuel costs, the certification completes an important step in the process provided under Republic Act No. 12316 for possible excise tax relief.
With the certification formally transmitted by the DOE, the matter may now proceed for consideration by the Development Budget Coordination Committee (DBCC).
“We know that every increase at the pump affects more than the cost of filling up a vehicle. It affects the daily budget of families, the livelihood of our drivers, and the operating costs of businesses. The DOE has completed the certification required under the law, and we will continue working with the government’s economic team on measures that can provide relief to consumers,” Energy Secretary Sharon S. Garin said.
Under RA 12316, the President, upon the recommendation of the DBCC and in coordination with the Secretary of Energy, may suspend or reduce the excise tax on fuel when the average Dubai crude oil price based on the Mean of Platts Singapore reaches or exceeds USD80 per barrel for one month immediately preceding the issuance of the suspension or reduction order.
The law allows the suspension or reduction to cover specific petroleum products, either through full suspension or partial reduction, for a period not exceeding three months.
While international oil prices continue to put upward pressure on domestic pump prices, the DOE assured consumers that the country maintains adequate petroleum inventories.
As of 11 September 2026, the country had an estimated 57.17 days of gasoline supply, 60.80 days of diesel, 124.57 days of kerosene, 60.56 days of jet fuel, 42.29 days of fuel oil, and 39.27 days of LPG.
Targeted assistance for the public transport sector also continues. As of 09 September 2026, ₱718.10 million in fuel subsidies had been availed of by 102,356 public utility vehicle (PUV) beneficiaries, with successful transactions recorded across 3,574 gasoline stations nationwide.
The DOE will continue closely monitoring international oil prices, domestic pump prices, and petroleum inventories while coordinating with the DOF and other concerned agencies on measures available under the law to help protect consumers from sustained increases in global fuel prices.
###