The Department of Energy (DOE) urged gasoline station owners and operators to provide discounts for public utility vehicles (PUVs) affected by the anticipated jeepney fare hike, which is attributed to rising global oil prices resulting from escalating tensions between Israel and Iran.
“Specifically, we are asking gas stations to offer discounts or promotions to help relieve the burden on our public utility vehicles,” DOE officer-in-charge Sharon Garin said in a TV Patrol report.
Garin assured stakeholders that the Philippines will have sufficient oil supply for the next 15 days: “Even if there’s no delivery currently, as we lack a local source, we will still have supply for 15 days if imports are halted.”
She said that in the event of a shortage, the country can seek alternatives from non-Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) sources such as Canada, Mexico, Russia, Brazil, Norway, and the United States.
Retailers have announced significant increases in gasoline, diesel, and kerosene prices, saying they will raise their rates per liter of gasoline and diesel by P1.80, as well as kerosene by P1.50.
Meanwhile, Land Transportation Regulatory and Franchising Board (LTFRB) Chairman Teofilo Guadiz III said their agency is considering requests from public utility jeepneys for a P1-increase in minimum fare during the first week of July.
“We must understand the situation of jeepney drivers. If we don’t accommodate their requests, they may shut down. This affects not only traditional jeepneys but also modern jeepneys… Based on our initial assessment, the board may grant the P1-fare increase,” Guadiz said.
