MANILA, Philippines - The Department of Energy (DOE) confirmed on Monday that there will be a slight increase in the average price of imported fuel which could be reflected anytime this week.

The DOE refused to say how much the increase will be but ABS-CBN sources say the equivalent increase is around P0.27 per liter for diesel and P0.10 per liter for gasoline.

The energy department said they have not yet received any notice from oil companies regarding any increase.

The DOE has also reacted to the threats of militant groups that more rallies, daily or weekly if possible, will happen as long as oil prices continue to increase.

DOE spokesperson Zenaida Monsada said they are not acting spokesmen of oil companies. "Napakahirap for us, kami nasisisi, para kaming PAGASA, sana hwag magalit kung ang bad news ay based on facts....we are not spokesmen ng oil companies, mas kinakatigan namin kapakanan ng consumers," she said.

Transport group Pasang Masda, however, slammed the government for being powerless against the pump price increase.

"Wala na ba talagang magagawa ang gobyerno? Ano ba talaga? Saan kami lalagay?" Pasang Masda head Obet Martin said.

Martin said the pump price increases may be small but it matters to ordinary drivers.