September 23, 2026 — Three developments from the past 24 hours could affect day-to-day costs, transport planning and business operations in the Philippines. The Department of Finance has moved to remove excise tax on LPG and kerosene while retaining taxes on gasoline and diesel. The Visayas grid also entered a red alert after additional generating capacity went offline, highlighting continued electricity-supply risk in Cebu, Iloilo and nearby areas. Separately, transport group PISTON announced a nationwide two-day transport strike for September 29–30. Foreign residents, visitors and businesses should plan around possible transport disruption and continue monitoring power advisories.
DOF Moves to Remove Excise Tax on LPG and Kerosene
Finance Secretary Frederick Go said on September 22 that he had signed a resolution removing the excise tax on liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and kerosene. The announcement came as high international energy prices continued to pressure Philippine households and businesses.
The Department of Finance is not taking the same approach to gasoline and diesel. Go said removing excise taxes on those products would cost the government an estimated ₱12 billion per month in revenue, and the government instead intends to continue targeted assistance.
For foreign residents, retirees, restaurants, hotels and other businesses that use LPG, the measure is potentially relevant to operating and household costs. However, a tax change does not necessarily translate immediately or one-for-one into retail-price reductions because final prices also reflect import costs, distribution and other market factors. Consumers should therefore check actual dealer prices rather than assume a fixed peso reduction.
This is a meaningful new development following the fuel-price increases covered in PhilifeGuide’s September 22 update. Gasoline and diesel taxes remain unchanged under the announcement.
Visayas Grid Hits Red Alert as Power Supply Tightens
The Visayas power grid moved into red alert on September 22 after another generating unit went offline and projected evening demand increased. NGCP reported a red-alert period from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m., with yellow-alert periods surrounding it. A red alert means available supply is insufficient to meet demand plus the grid’s required regulating reserve, increasing the risk of power interruptions.
The immediate pressure reflects outages at major plants including Therma Visayas Unit 1, Panay Energy Development Corp. Unit 3 and KEPCO SPC Unit 2, along with an outage at Palinpinon-2 and limited imports from Mindanao. About 957.3 MW was unavailable to the grid in the afternoon update.
The Department of Energy said Therma Visayas Unit 1 and PEDC Unit 3 were undergoing restoration. PEDC Unit 3 is expected to remain under restoration until the end of October, while officials are investigating problems at TVI Unit 1. For residents and businesses in Cebu, Iloilo, Negros and other Visayas areas, the practical response is to monitor NGCP and local distribution-utility notices, keep critical devices charged and ensure backup-power arrangements are ready where continuity is important.
PISTON Announces Nationwide Transport Strike for September 29–30
Transport group PISTON announced a nationwide two-day transport strike for Tuesday, September 29, and Wednesday, September 30, citing high fuel prices. The group said jeepney drivers and operators would participate, together with supporting labor and community groups.
Reported Metro Manila corridors that may be affected include Cubao–Marikina–Antipolo, Commonwealth, España, Monumento, Novaliches, Baclaran, Pasig, Taguig, Sucat and Alabang. The extent of disruption will depend on actual participation and any government contingency measures announced closer to the dates.
Foreign residents and travelers with appointments, airport transfers or intercity connections on September 29–30 should leave extra travel time and consider rail, booked vehicles or other alternatives where appropriate. Businesses that depend on employee commuting or local deliveries may also want contingency plans. The announcement is particularly relevant because it follows this week’s sharp fuel-price increase and the continuing debate over transport fares and fuel assistance.
What to Watch Next
- Implementation details and retail impact of the LPG and kerosene excise-tax measure.
- Fresh NGCP alerts and restoration of major Visayas generating units.
- Government contingency transport arrangements and final participation levels for the September 29–30 strike.
- Further fuel-price guidance as global energy-market pressures continue.
Disclaimer: Energy prices, grid alerts and transport operations can change quickly. Check current advisories from the relevant government agency, utility or transport provider before making travel or business decisions.
Sources
- GMA News — DOF: LPG and kerosene excise tax removed
- Philippine News Agency — Visayas grid on red alert
- GMA News — DOE on Visayas power-plant restoration
- GMA News — PISTON transport strike announcement
Last updated: September 23, 2026
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