Motorists in Talisay City, Cebu, were treated to free fuel at a gas station by a coffee company amid the rising fuel costs.
Reports said that Don Macchiatos Philippines and Don Lemon Philippines provided free fuel refills to motorcycle riders on Thursday, March 19, at the Shell gas station along Cebu South Coastal Road in Poblacion.
The businesses said the initiative “aims to support riders who rely on daily travel.”
Riders were also given free drinks from Don Macchiatos and Don Lemon.
“Riders are encouraged to arrive early, as the giveaway will run until slots last,” the businesses said.
Reports said diesel at the station costs P117.80 per liter, while gasoline is priced at P94.50 per liter.
This marks the second consecutive week of sharp increases in petroleum products, driven by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, a key oil supplier to various territories, including the Philippines.
Diesel prices have risen by as much as P20.40 to P23.90 per liter, while gasoline has increased by P12.90 to P16.60 per liter.
Kerosene, meanwhile, has gone up by P6.90 to P8.90 per liter.
This week also marked the first time some pump prices, particularly diesel, breached the P100-per-liter mark. In response, some gas stations replaced their usual LED displays with printed signs or tarpaulins to show updated prices.
In some areas, diesel now costs between P102.90 and P108.90 per liter, prompting gas stations to improvise.
Energy Secretary Sharon Garin previously said diesel prices could reach as high as P114 per literthis week, based on estimates. This applies to remote areas, where transportation costs are higher.
Earlier this week, Shell South Forbes, a gas station managed by the father of actor Donny Pangilinan, took the initiative to cut diesel prices by P3 to cushion the impact of the rising fuel costs on motorists.
RELATED: ‘Sana lahat’: Public praises Donny Pangilinan, father for gas station’s diesel price rollback
The prices of petroleum products have surged in the global market amid ongoing military tensions involving the United States, Israel and Iran.
The conflict has disrupted key shipping routes for oil products from the Middle East to other regions, further driving up fuel prices.
