Consumer groups are urging the Philippines government to implement drastic measures, like tighter price controls, to address high fuel costs due to global conflict. However, economists recommend tax relief and targeted subsidies instead of direct government price caps.

With fuel prices in the Philippines among the world’s hardest hit by the Iran war, consumer groups are urging the government to take bolder action, including tighter control over pump prices. Economists say the more realistic options are tax relief, targeted subsidies and transport support rather than direct price controls. Sharon Garin, secretary of the Philippines’ Department of Energy, said on a radio programme on Sunday that the country might no longer see diesel at 60 pesos (US$1) per litre...