Fuel Price Hike Sparks Long Queues at South Cotabato Gas Stations

Long queues formed at gasoline stations in Koronadal City, South Cotabato, on Monday afternoon as motorists rushed to fill up their tanks ahead of a steep fuel price hike scheduled for Tuesday. Fuel companies are set to raise diesel prices by as much as P10.68 per liter, gasoline by up to P3.65 per liter, and kerosene by P11.77 per liter, marking the largest increase among petroleum products. READ: New double-digit hikes for diesel, kero set on July 21 At around 3 p.m., a steady stream of vehicles formed a queue at a gasoline station along General Santos Drive, with the line extending close to the national highway. A motorist who identified himself only as Mel said he decided to fill up early to lessen the impact of the fuel price hike on their household budget. Some motorists also arrived before the afternoon rush, anticipating longer lines once employees and students headed home from work and school. Several drivers said they also planned to limit their trips in the coming days to conserve fuel, using their vehicles only for essential travel until prices stabilize. Ronnie Pama, a pump attendant, said most of the vehicles in line were diesel-powered, which will see a double-digit increase. He added that while some customers asked to fill portable fuel containers, the station generally limits purchases to a full tank for regular vehicles and does not dispense fuel into containers so more customers can buy fuel before the price hike. READ: US launches 9th night of strikes on Iran as it hits out at Gulf states National energy officials attributed the latest fuel price hike to rising global oil prices triggered by renewed tensions and recent developments in the Middle East. They said the interconnected nature of global oil markets has pushed up fuel costs in oil-importing countries, including the Philippines.