The Philippine Department of Energy has certified that Dubai crude oil prices averaged $99.41 per barrel between 13 August and 11 September, surpassing the $80-per-barrel threshold that legally opens the door to excise tax relief under Philippine law. The certification has been forwarded to the Development Budget Coordination Committee, which must decide whether to reduce or suspend fuel taxes and which products would be covered. Energy Secretary Sharon Garin warned that relief may not come quickly, saying there are "no signs" oil prices will drop as the Middle East conflict continues to pressure global supply — a conflict she has previously described as one that "will stay for a long time." The announcement follows two weeks of sharp pump price increases, with gasoline rising by a combined P10.37 per litre and diesel by P9.49, prompting a two-day strike by transport group Manibela, whose members say higher diesel costs are severely cutting into drivers' earnings. The government is maintaining a targeted fuel subsidy for public utility vehicle drivers, with P753 million already disbursed covering over 103,000 vehicles nationwide.