As fuel price continues to rise, P1-fare hike looms

National

IN RESPONSE to mounting pressure from transport groups, the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) is expected to approve a ₱1 fare hike for public utility jeepneys as early as next week.

“It will be a one-peso increase across the board, but that’s it. There will be no per-kilometer hike – just a flat rate for now. It’s already too burdensome for consumers,” LTFRB chairman Teofilo Guadiz III said in a Philstar report.

Guadiz noted that the fare hike could be triggered if global oil prices breach $80 per barrel, based on Dubai crude.

Transport groups such as Pasang Masda, the Alliance of Transport Operators and Drivers Association of the Philippines (Altodap), and the Alliance of Concerned Transport Organizations have been pushing for a fare increase, citing the continuous rise in operational expenses.

Altodap President Melencio Vargas welcomed the potential fare hike, calling it a much-needed lifeline for drivers.

“If fuel prices drop right away, we’re open to reducing the fare,” he assured.

The LTFRB stated that while a fare increase request for provincial buses is under evaluation, any adjustments would be implemented gradually—starting with the first 10 kilometers and adding charges for additional distances.

In the meantime, bus operators in Metro Manila have decided to cancel their petition for a fare increase, pointing to a decline in passenger numbers caused by stiff competition from trains, modernized jeepneys, and ride-hailing platforms.

“Raising fares might drive commuters away from using their services,” Guadiz noted.

In response to rising fuel prices, the government is planning to implement a ₱2.5-billion fuel assistance program for public utility jeepneys, buses, taxis, ride-hailing services, and delivery vehicles.

The Department of Energy has linked the recent spike in market instability to the intensifying tensions between Israel and Iran, explaining that rising prices since June 13 have been fueled by speculative trading and fears of possible supply interruptions.

This week’s fuel price adjustment stands as the most significant increase of the year so far.(Rosemarie Fe Singson, PIT Comm. Intern)