Motorists should expect a mixed movement in the prices of fuel sold at local pumps this week.

Based on data from the Mean of Platts Singapore, oil company Unioil projects that diesel prices are expected to go down by around P0.50 to P0.60 per liter.

Gasoline prices, on the other hand, are projected to slightly increase by around P0.60 to P0.70 per liter.

Last week, diesel prices increased by P2.90 per liter and gasoline by P0.70 per liter. Kerosene prices also increased by a hefty P1.65 per liter. The adjustments took effect last Tuesday.

Data from the Department of Energy showed that as of 20 December, the cumulative increase in diesel stood at P27.50 per liter and gasoline at P13.95 per liter.

Oil companies announce price adjustments every Monday to be implemented the following day's morning.

They adjust their prices weekly based on the movement of MOPS — the regional pricing benchmark adopted by the deregulated downstream oil sector.