By Emmanuel T. Erediano
[email protected]
Variety News Staff
THE prices of fuel rose for the first time this year, following two consecutive rollbacks in November and December 2025.
On Thursday, Mobil Oil Marianas on Saipan implemented a 10-cent increase across all petroleum products. The price of regular gasoline rose to $5.06 a gallon from $4.96, while premium gasoline price went up to $5.51 a gallon from $5.41. Diesel climbed to $5.48 a gallon from $5.38.
Although Shell Marianas had not yet changed its fuel prices as of 1:50 p.m. Thursday, the company is expected to update its prices following Mobil’s price adjustments. The anticipation is based on the observed pricing pattern between the two fuel providers on the island.
Tinian Fuel Services’ regular gasoline price was $6.96 a gallon and diesel was $7.70 as of Thursday afternoon.
On Rota, Calvo Enterprises’ gasoline price has dropped to $6.34 a gallon, while diesel remains at $9.02 following the rollback on Jan. 6.
Former Department of Community and Cultural Affairs Secretary Melvin Faisao said even a 10-cent increase “really has an impact on our financial status right now.”
Faisao, a resident of Kagman who now serves as senior policy advisor and cultural practitioner for the URAALI Refaluwasch Association, said he spends about $60 a week on gasoline. “There is only one employed member in my household,” he said. “We try to be conservative with spending, especially on fuel for my vehicle, which I use to drop off family members to work and the children to school, then pick them up later in the day.”
He added that even a small increase can affect the community. “A 10-cent rise in gasoline may seem minor, but it poses a challenge for many households. Fuel price increases can also lead to higher costs for basic goods,” Faisao said.
According to Investing.com, “Oil prices rose in Asian trade on Thursday as persistent concerns over geopolitical tensions between the U.S. and Iran saw traders price in a greater risk premium for crude. Brent oil futures for April rose 0.4% to $69.64 a barrel, while West Texas Intermediate crude futures rose 0.4% to $64.74 a barrel by 21:19 ET (02:19 GMT).”
Emmanuel “Arnold” Erediano has a bachelor of science degree in Journalism. He started his career as police beat reporter. Loves to cook. Eats death threats for breakfast.
