Filipino netizens are finding humor amid economic pain as global oil prices surged to their highest levels since mid-2022.

On Monday, prices jumped as much as 29% before settling roughly 7% higher, while gold dropped over 1%, fueled by escalating tensions in Iran that disrupted energy supplies worldwide.

In true Filipino style, social media has erupted with jokes and memes poking fun at the high cost of fuel. Some netizens, including social media personality Macoy Dubs, hilariously suggested taking up horseback riding as the new “eco-friendly” mode of transportation.

Others, like content creator JM Dionaldo, joined in, joking about going on “gasoline dates”, having a fancy table set up in front of a gasoline station.

But the backdrop to these laughs is serious: tensions in the Middle East have intensified sharply. Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) announced on Tuesday that it would not allow even “one litre of oil” to be shipped from the Middle East if U.S. and Israeli military attacks continue — a dramatic threat aimed at the world’s energy supply system.

U.S. President Donald Trump responded with his own stark warning, saying the United States would hit Iran “much harder” if it attempted to block vital oil exports from the region.

Here in the Philippines, the fuel price rollercoaster has real consequences — with some industry watchers saying higher crude costs could push local pump prices even higher. But online, Pinoys remain resilient, using wit to transform everyday frustrations into viral entertainment.