Bus operators in the Philippines have called on President Ferdinand Marcos Jr to approve an increase in public transportation fares, citing sharply rising fuel costs as a threat to their ability to continue operating. The price of diesel, which fuels the majority of buses in the country, has nearly doubled since February following the escalation of conflict in the Middle East triggered by US-Israeli strikes on Iran.
In March, the Philippine transport board initially approved a fare hike, but the decision was swiftly reversed by President Marcos, and ticket prices have since remained unchanged. As of yesterday, the price of diesel rose again by 8.82 pesos per litre. A coalition of bus companies representing operators nationwide issued a statement warning that continued fuel price surges might soon render their operations untenable.
“Fuel prices have reached levels that our operations can no longer afford,” the group said. It clarified that their appeal was not for government subsidies but rather for a “fair and sustainable fare” that would reflect the true cost of providing public transportation services. Bus fares currently range from 13 to 15 pesos (approximately 84 to 97 sen) for the first five kilometers, with incremental increases of around three pesos (19 sen) per additional kilometer.
The Philippines, home to some 116 million people, declared a national energy emergency in March due to its heavy reliance on imported fuel. In response to rising prices, the government has broadened its sources for oil procurement, including purchases from Russia. Unlike neighboring countries such as Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand, the Philippines does not regulate fuel prices, leaving operators vulnerable to global market fluctuations.
The Marcos administration has provided limited financial relief, including a one-time subsidy of 10,000 pesos (around RM644) per bus in March, as well as separate assistance to transport workers such as taxi drivers and jeepney operators. The Department of Transportation indicated in a recent statement its intention to make a positive decision regarding a fare increase in the coming days.
Meanwhile, the Department of Energy reported that the country currently maintains a 57-day reserve of diesel and a 56-day reserve of gasoline, indicating fuel availability remains stable despite price volatility. The ongoing debate over fare increases reflects broader challenges facing the Philippine public transport sector amid economic pressures linked to global geopolitical tensions.