ILOILO City – Fuel and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) prices in Malay, Aklan — the town that serves as the main jump-off point to the world-renowned Boracay Island — continue to climb as of April 6, mirroring ongoing instability in global oil markets fueled by conflict in the Middle East.
Based on the latest monitoring of the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (MDRRMC), diesel prices in the area ranged from P127.95 to P141.00 per liter, while regular gasoline was priced between P88.50 and P105.10 per liter. Premium gasoline, meanwhile, reached as much as P105.60 per liter in some stations, with select outlets posting increases.
Higher fuel prices were noted in stations located in Barangays Manocmanoc and Yapak — strategic areas catering to tourist traffic bound for Boracay—where demand and transport costs tend to influence retail prices.
LPG rates also remained elevated, with 11-kilogram tanks selling from P1,500 to P1,800. Smaller 1.4-kg cylinders were priced between P260 and P280, while 50-kg tanks exceeded P8,000 in some suppliers.
The sustained high prices come as international crude oil markets react to geopolitical unrest in the Middle East, raising concerns over supply disruptions and prompting upward adjustments in local pump prices.
The Philippines, which relies heavily on imported fuel, continues to feel the ripple effects of global oil fluctuations. Authorities, including the Department of Energy, are maintaining close coordination with industry players to ensure adequate supply and cushion the impact on consumers, especially in tourism-driven economies.
Malay, being the primary access point to Boracay Island, faces heightened demand during peak travel seasons such as Holy Week and summer, further influencing fuel consumption and pricing trends.
Officials have urged the public and businesses to remain mindful of energy use as price movements remain unpredictable, with global developments expected to continue affecting local fuel costs in the coming weeks./PN
