TACLOBAN CITY — Motorists from this city are preparing for a significant rise in fuel prices as global crude oil benchmarks indicate potential adjustments in local pump rates.
Early trading data from the Mean of Platts Singapore (MOPS) on March 3, 2026, suggest kerosene could jump by P13 per liter, diesel by P12 per liter, and gasoline by around P6 per liter.
Local jeepney and bus operators expressed concern over the expected increase, noting that fuel costs already make up the bulk of their daily expenses.
“If diesel goes up by this much, we jeepney operators will struggle to absorb the cost. It can really affect our everyday earnings,” said a local jeepney driver.
“It would have been manageable if fares were increased because the current fares are really low, especially for us bus drivers who have high route boundary payments,” a bus driver added.
Some operators also linked the potential spike to international events. “With the ongoing conflict between the United States and Iran, our situation could get worse,” said a driver, referring to tensions in the Middle East that analysts say have influenced global oil supply expectations and trading prices.
The Philippines imports most of its fuel, so fluctuations in global crude oil prices directly affect domestic pump rates.
While drivers call for relief measures, the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) Region VIII announced via its official social media that qualified beneficiaries of the Fuel Subsidy Program should prepare their subsidy cards. The agency is finalizing program implementation to help transport operators cope with the rising fuel costs.
(ELLA MAE D. SEGUROS, LNU STUDENT INTERN)
