MANILA, Philippines — March 13, 2026. Transport group MANIBELA announced it is eyeing a provisional fare increase of up to P2 for public utility vehicles as drivers struggle with the impact of soaring fuel prices triggered by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

MANIBELA chairperson Mar Valbuena said in an interview that the group considers the fare hike a last resort, stressing that government intervention through subsidies or tax suspensions would be preferable. “Last resort po namin ito dapat, kung mabibigyan tayo ng ayuda at mababawasan ‘yung excise tax at value added tax o ma-suspend,” Valbuena told GMA Integrated News’ Unang Balita.

Fuel prices have surged dramatically in recent weeks, with diesel climbing by P17 to P24 per liter and gasoline by P12 to P15 per liter. The Department of Energy confirmed that oil companies are implementing staggered increases to soften the blow, but transport groups say drivers’ incomes have already been cut in half.

Jeepney drivers and operators argue that without immediate relief, many will be unable to sustain operations. MANIBELA and other transport groups have urged the government to suspend excise taxes and reduce value-added taxes on fuel, noting that such measures would provide more direct relief than fare adjustments.

The proposed P2 increase would raise the minimum jeepney fare to P15, aligning with petitions already filed by other transport groups such as Piston. Piston president Mody Floranda said the hike is necessary to avert “hefty income cuts” for drivers and operators.

The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has yet to act on the petitions, but officials said they are studying the impact of fuel price hikes on commuters and transport operators. The Department of Transportation has acknowledged the urgency of the situation, noting that fare adjustments may be unavoidable if global oil prices remain volatile.

Commuters, meanwhile, brace for higher transport costs that could further strain household budgets already pressured by inflation. Analysts warn that fare hikes will ripple across the economy, raising the cost of goods and services dependent on transport.

The government faces mounting pressure to balance relief for drivers with protection for commuters, as the Middle East conflict continues to disrupt global oil supply and push fuel prices upward. For now, MANIBELA insists that suspending fuel taxes remains the best solution, but if no action is taken, the group is prepared to formally seek the P2 provisional fare increase.