MANILA, Philippines — A major transport group has issued an ultimatum to the government, demanding either the immediate suspension of excise taxes on petroleum products or a P2 hike in minimum jeepney fares to help drivers cope with relentless fuel price increases.
The Pagkakaisa ng mga Samahan ng Tsuper at Operator Nationwide (Piston) expressed that the recent series of oil price hikes has become “unbearable” for small-scale operators and drivers, whose daily take-home pay has dwindled significantly. The group argued that while they are hesitant to pass the burden onto commuters, they may be left with no choice if the government does not provide immediate relief.
“The government must choose: remove the tax that makes fuel expensive or allow us to adjust our fares so we can survive,” the group stated. A P2 increase would bring the minimum jeepney fare to P15 for traditional units and P17 for modernized ones.
The Department of Energy (DOE) recently attributed the price surges to volatility in the global market, exacerbated by geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. While the government has previously distributed fuel subsidies to the transport sector, Piston criticized the rollout as “too slow” and “insufficient” to cover the sustained increase in operating costs.
In response, the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) said it would evaluate the petition while balancing the needs of the transport sector against the impact of higher fares on the general public. The agency noted that any fare adjustment must undergo a formal hearing process to ensure it is justifiable.
Consumer groups have expressed concern over the proposal, noting that a fare hike would have a ripple effect on the prices of basic goods and services, further straining household budgets already affected by inflation.