President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has suspended the excise tax on liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and kerosene, as part of efforts to soften the impact of rising fuel costs on households on Monday, April 13.

“Tinanggal ko na ang excise tax sa LPG at sa kerosene,” the President said during a press conference.

The suspension takes effect as the authority granted by Congress to adjust fuel taxes begins on April 14. Marcos said the move would immediately reduce expenses for consumers.

“P3.36 ang bawas kada litro ng LPG… at P5.60 kada litro ng kerosene,” he said. He added that this could translate to about P37 in savings per LPG tank. “Ibig sabihin mas mababa ang gastos sa pagluluto at araw-araw na pangangailangan,” he said.

Marcos said the decision comes as global oil markets remain volatile following the collapse of US-Iran peace negotiations.

“Umaasa sana kami… ngunit mukhang hindi sila nakabuo ng deal,” he said.

He stressed the importance of continued government intervention to shield Filipinos from the effects of the situation.

The President also reassured the public that food supply remains adequate. “Wag pong mag-alala… sapat naman ang supply natin,” he said, citing staples such as rice, meat, fish, and vegetables.

He noted that prices of basic goods are expected to stay stable until the end of April after coordination with industry stakeholders.

Marcos said he has instructed the Department of Agriculture and the Tariff Commission to lower tariffs on imported food, while ensuring local producers remain protected to help lower food prices further.

He also said the government is streamlining import procedures to speed up the arrival of food supplies, including faster permit processing to improve distribution and reduce costs.

In addition, the President announced the removal of toll fees in fish ports to prevent added costs from being passed on to consumers, a move expected to help stabilize seafood prices.

Marcos said the government will step in to buy excess produce to address oversupply and minimize losses for farmers.

“Bibilhin na muna ng Department of Agriculture ang sobrang produksyon,” he said.

He added that local government units will assist in distributing these goods to communities.

Marcos acknowledged that economic measures must be carefully balanced. “Kung may gagawin ka sa isang bahagi, may epekto ’yan sa kabilang bahagi,” he said.

The President explained the suspension of excise tax on LPG and kerosene forms part of a broader set of interventions aimed at easing household expenses. The government continues to respond to global uncertainties , at the same time to work on stabilizing prices and protecting livelihoods, he added.