MANILA, Philippines — In a bid to mitigate the impact of surging fuel costs, the Philippine government on Tuesday, April 14, 2026, launched a ₱10-per-liter diesel subsidy program for public utility jeepneys (PUJs) and UV Express vans in the National Capital Region (NCR).
The initiative, spearheaded by the Department of Energy (DOE) and the Department of Transportation (DOTr), begins with 52 accredited gas stations across Metro Manila, with plans to expand nationwide in the coming weeks.
The program is designed to be straightforward to accommodate drivers who may not be tech-savvy.
- Discount Amount: ₱10 per liter of diesel.
- Cap: Up to 150 liters per week per unit (equivalent to a ₱1,500 weekly saving).
- Reset Policy: The subsidy resets every week. Unused liters do not carry over.
- Verification: Drivers do not need special cards. Verification is conducted automatically through the vehicle’s plate number at the station.
The first phase covers selected high-traffic routes in Metro Manila, including:
- Commonwealth Avenue
- Quezon Avenue – España Boulevard
- Zapote Road (Las Piñas)
- A. Bonifacio Avenue (Cloverleaf – Blumentritt)
- Rizal Avenue (Monumento – Carriedo)
- Marcos Highway
Energy Secretary Sharon Garin has issued a directive ordering all legitimate gas stations to participate as the program scales up. DOTr Secretary Giovanni Lopez confirmed that the LTFRB is finalizing the “whitelist” of qualified beneficiaries, which will be validated by the Land Bank of the Philippines.
The program is expected to run for three months and currently targets jeepneys and UV Express vans—the sectors most affected by the doubling of diesel prices since the onset of the Middle East conflict. The government is also exploring expanding the aid to include buses and Transport Network Vehicle Service (TNVS) units.
Once fully implemented nationwide, the program is projected to benefit over 171,000 PUV units, providing a critical lifeline to the transport sector and helping prevent a surge in commuter fares.