As fuel prices soar again, fare hike, fuel subsidies eyed

National

THE government is studying possible fare increases and fuel subsidies following another round of fuel price hikes driven by renewed tensions between the United States and Iran.

In a report by Phistar, Presidential Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro said President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has directed Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez to review measures that would help sectors most affected by rising fuel costs while keeping the economy stable.

The government is also considering the request of transport group Pasang Masda for a ₱1 fare increase. Castro said any fare adjustment must be carefully weighed since higher transport costs could also push up the prices of basic commodities.

Earlier this year, the government suspended a planned fare increase to ease the burden on commuters. It also rolled out fuel subsidies, cash assistance for public utility vehicle (PUV) drivers, and fare discounts to help lessen the impact of rising fuel prices.

The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board had previously approved a provisional fare increase for jeepneys, buses, taxis, transport network vehicle services (TNVS), and point-to-point (P2P) buses, but its implementation was later suspended.(Angel Mae Antolijao, UP Cebu COMM Intern).