Fuel Prices May Skyrocket Soon! Here Are Simple DOE Tips to Save Gas Now
FUEL – As tensions in the Middle East threaten global oil supply, the Department of Energy is urging motorists to adopt smarter driving habits to reduce fuel consumption.
The Department of Energy (DOE) has released several reminders and practical tips to help the public save on fuel consumption as tensions in the Middle East continue to threaten global oil supply and prices.
The advisory comes after President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. announced on Tuesday, March 3, that the country’s oil supply may only last for about 50 to 60 days under current conditions. The development has raised concerns about possible fuel shortages and a significant increase in petroleum prices in the coming weeks.
Earlier, DOE Secretary Sharon Garin also warned that the price of petroleum products may increase as geopolitical tensions continue to affect the global oil market.
“Ang presyo talaga taas ‘yan. I will not sugarcoat it. Sabihin mo na may oil na darating, tataas talaga dahil sa tensyon. The stress of the market will increase the price hanggang mag-stabilize ‘yan. We need to expect that,” said Garin.
To ensure that the country maintains sufficient supply, Garin said the agency is closely monitoring developments in the global oil market, particularly shipments passing through critical routes.
“Mino-monitor lang namin yung supply kasi. Sisiguraduhin natin na maron tayo kasi baka tumagal ang pagsara ng Strait of Hormuz. D’yan dumadaan ang shipping ng mga oil products so malaki ang dependence natin d’yan. I want us to prepare na in case ilang araw o ilang linggo na hindi makadaan ang oil deliveries at ano ang status ng supply natin,” Garin’s assurance.
Meanwhile, Atty. Rino Abad, Director of the DOE’s Oil Industry Management Bureau, said on Wednesday, March 4, that gasoline and diesel prices in the country could potentially reach as high as ₱90 per liter.
To lessen the burden on consumers, Abad assured the public that the DOE is currently coordinating with oil companies to discuss the possibility of implementing staggered or gradual price increases.
In line with this, the DOE shared several “tipid tips” for motorists to help conserve fuel and avoid unnecessary consumption.
1. Avoid long periods of vehicle idling
Turning off the engine when the vehicle is stopped for one minute or longer can help prevent unnecessary fuel consumption.
2. Ensure that tires have proper air pressure
Underinflated tires increase “rolling resistance,” which causes the engine to consume more fuel.
3. Avoid sudden braking or aggressive driving
Aggressive driving can increase a vehicle’s fuel consumption by 15 to 40 percent.
4. Ensure regular vehicle maintenance
Clogged air filters, damaged spark plugs, and dirty fuel injectors can negatively affect a vehicle’s engine efficiency.
5. Plan trips carefully to avoid traffic
Stop-and-go driving caused by heavy traffic can double fuel consumption.
For more efficient travel, motorists are encouraged to combine errands and plan their routes carefully to save fuel.
As an additional solution, Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) General Manager Nicolas Torre also encouraged the public on March 4 to consider cycling or walking instead of using vehicles, not only to save fuel but also to improve physical health.
“[B]ilang isang bansa, kailangan nating bawasan ang sobrang pagdepende sa fuel-based transportation. Hindi lamang ito usapin ng trapik. Hindi lamang ito usapin ng kalikasan. Ito ay usapin ng economic resilience ng bawat pamilyang Pilipino,” said Torre.
“Kaya mahalagang palakasin natin ang active mobility — paglalakad at pagbibisikleta papasok sa trabaho — bilang bahagi ng ating pangmatagalang solusyon,” he added.
READ ALSO: The Truth Behind the US Strikes on Iran & What It Means Next
