Zigwheels PH weekly wrap: Mar. 30-Apr. 3

MANILA: The past week saw the closing of March and the beginning of April, which, for us Filipinos, marks the observance of the Holy Week. 

Despite many motorists taking the long break to refuel, recharge, and reflect, the said period still provided us with news worth talking about. Our top stories still revolve around the ongoing fuel hikes brought by the oil crisis in the Middle East, as well as some alternatives offered by private companies and some band-aid solutions from the government. 

We also saw one dealership opening, one model launch, a teaser for one of the biggest annual auto shows in the Philippines, and initiatives of local car brands for their customers embarking on the yearly exodus. 

Other stories: Here’s what to expect at MIAS 2026 UAAGI to offer free vehicle service checkups this Holy Week BMW PH expands PHEV lineup with X1 xDrive25e xLine launch

Fuel security? 

During an online press conference, Department of Energy Secretary Attorney Sharon Garin reported that the government has ordered some 1.042 million barrels of petroleum, which is expected to arrive this month. 

The Secretary assured the public that the Philippines has enough supply of fuel, which was backed by her presentation of the country’s petroleum product inventory measured by “days supply,” as of March 27, 2026. 

Despite that, fuel prices continued to spike with further increases foreseen in the coming days. At the end of the month, the prices of products at the pump were up by as much as P12.5. Here is a table showing the hikes implemented by the respective players: 

Company	Diesel	Gasoline	Kerosene
PetroGazz	P12.5	P2.5
Seaoil	P12.5		P2
Unioil	P12.5	P2.5
Petron	P11.9	P1.9	P1.4

As a result, many motorists have turned to electric vehicles (EV) and companies that sell electrified models — as well as those who provide services for such automobiles — laid out their respective programs. 

For one, SM Supermalls boasted its growing EV charging network, which now is at 160 nationwide. 

In total, there are 26 SM mall charging stations in Metro Manila, 23 in North Luzon, 15 in South Luzon, and nine collectively in Visayas and Mindanao. 

Relatedly, SM worked with the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority to give commuters access to real-time traffic information. Mall-goers can check select mall digital directories for live traffic feeds. 

Further, the company shared that it is investing more than P300 million to build a direct pedestrian link between the LRT-2 Antipolo Station and SM City Masinag in Antipolo, Rizal. 

On the other hand, Greenstrum has partnered with Huawei Digital Power to provide high-power EV charging stations nationwide. 

Greenstrum is an ACMobility subsidiary. 

Wrapping up last week’s fuel stories, Petronas denied that it entered a deal with a local government unit in the Philippines after news broke that Davao del Norte Governor Edwin Jubahib said that the province was in talks with the King of Malaysia for the purchase of 44 million liters of diesel fuel. 

Motorsport activities suspension 

It is also worth noting that the Automobile Association of the Philippines suspended all motorsports permits in the country following President Ferdinand Marcos Junior’s declaration of a State of National Energy Emergency. 

This includes all pending and new applications for organizing permits, which are placed on hold until further notice.

Holy Week initiatives 

Three companies announced that they will offer roadside assistance to their customers during the Holy Week. The said move was to ensure that those traveling during the Lenten Season will have peace of mind when they hit the road. 

These companies are Toyota Motor Philippines, Hyundai Motor Philippines Incorporated, and MG Motor Philippines. 

Joining them later is the United Asia Automotive Group Incorporated, which carries brands like BAIC, Chery, Foton, Jetour, Lynk & Co, and Radar. 

Local launch 

BMW X1 xDrive25e xLine 

BMW Philippines has rolled out the X1 xDrive25e xLine. 

It is a plug-in hybrid sport utility vehicle that combines the strengths of a combustion engine and the efficiency of an electric motor. Its arrival appears timely as many motorists consider switching to a more sustainable means of transportation. 

The luxury hybrid car costs P3.398M. 

Dealer opening 

Fuso Cabanatuan 

Sojitz Fuso Philippines Corporation strengthened its foothold in Central Luzon with the opening of its newest dealership in Nueva Ecija. 

Fuso Cabanatuan is operated by Genesis Auto Corporation and highlights the brand’s commitment to providing reliable and durable commercial mobility solutions closer to Filipino businesses in the region.

Possible launches 

Last week, we also reported some possible model launches. 

First, MG Philippines appears to be poised to launch the D90 Rakan. The pickup truck is powered by a 2.0-liter Euro 5-rated diesel engine mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. 

Looking to appeal to more Filipino car buyers, Toyota — on the other hand — will soon release the battery electric vehicle version of the Hilux nameplate. 

It uses a dual electric motor setup that makes about 170 horsepower. 

MIAS 2026 

Car enthusiasts can expect great things at the upcoming Manila International Auto Show. 

Whether or not people will choose to spend the annual holiday on the Day of Valor, walking around potential purchases, in this time of crisis, only the visitor turnout will tell. 

Nevertheless, they can expect to see the latest offerings of participating car brands, which include BYD, Changan, Deepal, Denza, Geely, GWM, Kia, MG, BAIC, Chery, Foton, Jetour, Lynk & Co, Radar, and 212.

Monthly wrap

For the abridged version of our monthly report, you can check the video below: 

Also read: 

Zigwheels weekly wrap: Feb. 16-20

Zigwheels weekly wrap: Feb. 9-13

Zigwheels weekly wrap: Mar. 9-13

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