Motorists Face Continued Surge at Fuel Pumps

The trend of rising fuel costs shows no sign of slowing down as the industry prepares for another round of price adjustments in the first week of February. This upcoming increase marks a significant milestone for diesel consumers, who are facing their sixth consecutive weekly price hike.

Diesel and Gasoline Adjustments

Preliminary industry forecasts indicate that diesel prices are slated for another upward movement, continuing a month-long streak of volatility. According to industry experts, the persistent climb is driven by shifting market dynamics that have consistently pushed local pump prices higher since the start of the year.

Leo Bellas, president of Jetti Petroleum, confirmed in a recent advisory that the per-liter price of diesel is expected to rise once again. While diesel remains the primary focus due to its six-week streak, gasoline and kerosene prices are also anticipated to follow a similar upward trajectory, further straining the budgets of daily commuters and logistics operators.

Factors Behind the Price Volatility

The sustained increases are largely attributed to external factors affecting the global oil market. Supply constraints and geopolitical tensions have maintained pressure on international benchmarks, which directly influence the retail prices set by domestic oil firms. As the first week of February approaches, consumers are advised to prepare for these higher costs, which are expected to take effect during the standard Tuesday price implementation.

Economic analysts suggest that the consecutive hikes in diesel—a fuel critical for public transportation and the delivery of goods—may have a broader impact on the cost of essential commodities. For now, the streak of increases remains the longest observed in recent months, with no immediate indication of a significant rollback in the near term.