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Manila Bulletin devider Business devider Trade & Industry devider Middle East tensions fuel record demand for motorcycles in Philippines

Middle East tensions fuel record demand for motorcycles in Philippines

Published May 5, 2026 06:57 pm
Motorcycle riders refuel in a gas station along Commonwealth Avenue in Quezon City on March 20, 2026. The Department of Energy said the Philippines has placed an order for 250,000 to 300,000 barrels of diesel from a Southeast Asian supplier, with delivery scheduled for next week, as the government moves to assist private oil companies in securing future fuel supplies. (Santi San Juan)
Motorcycle riders refuel in a gas station along Commonwealth Avenue in Quezon City on March 20, 2026. The Department of Energy said the Philippines has placed an order for 250,000 to 300,000 barrels of diesel from a Southeast Asian supplier, with delivery scheduled for next week, as the government moves to assist private oil companies in securing future fuel supplies. (Santi San Juan)
The Motorcycle Development Program Participants Association Inc. (MDPPA) is optimistic that motorcycle sales will remain on an upward trajectory in the coming months, as higher fuel prices are expected to spur stronger demand for two-wheeled vehicles.
As fuel prices remain elevated due to the ongoing Middle East war, MDPPA President Erwin Estrada said the adoption of motorcycles will likely expand since they are a practical and cost-efficient alternative to larger vehicles.
“In the months ahead, this shift is likely to become even more pronounced as riders look for reliable ways to stay mobile despite increasing costs,” he said in a statement.
According to MDPPA, motorcycle sales increased by more than 11 percent in the first quarter to 496,868 units, compared to 445,047 units sold in the same period last year.
Automatic motorcycles were the leading category from January to March, followed by business motorcycles, which are relied on by delivery services and small enterprises.
MDPPA said some segments, such as mopeds and street motorcycles, posted mixed results, although the industry’s overall performance remained firmly positive.
March alone saw the strongest monthly sales performance so far, with sales reaching 178,557 units, an increase of nearly 20 percent from 148,912 units in the same month last year.
This coincided with the first surge in fuel prices following the United States and Israel’s attack on Iran, which retaliated by mounting its own series of attacks, including restricting the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial waterway for oil supply.
Estrada said the lower operating costs and efficient fuel consumption of motorcycles are making them a more viable solution for individuals and businesses looking to reduce expenses without sacrificing mobility.
“For many, it offers a fuel-efficient and cost-conscious option that still allows them to move freely, get to work on time, and keep their livelihoods running,” he said.
The increased demand for motorcycles is expected to support industry growth this year, especially as fuel costs remain volatile while the conflict in the Middle East shows no sign of easing.
Motorcycles also remain the go-to mode of transport for millions of Filipinos seeking to navigate congested roads in urban areas across the country, the MDPPA said.
Data from the Federation of Asian Motorcycle Industries (FAMI), sourced directly from MDPPA, showed that the group’s members produced 378,280 motorcycles in the first quarter, nearly five percent higher than the 360,478 units in the same period last year.
MDPPA comprises the local subsidiaries of Japanese motorcycle brands Honda, Kawasaki, Suzuki, and Yamaha.
Indian brand TVS Motor Co. has not been a member of the MDPPA since January of this year.

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Motorcycle Development Program Participants Association Inc. (MDPPA) Motorcycle sale Middle East fuel price hike
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