Some gas stations could close due to lack of diesel; PUV drivers feel pinch of higher fuel cost

On the second day of the mega price hike, some gasoline stations are facing another blow due to the limited diesel supply as drivers of public vehicles complain of the higher price of fuel. 

In Mariz Umali’s report in “24 Oras” on Wednesday, one gasoline station, for instance, did not have a supply of diesel for two days. 

While they fortunately received a supply today, the impact is already being felt both by the business and its employees. 

“We lost some customers that day. As for our staff, we had to cut back on their shifts. We’ve moved to a skeletal workforce, so some aren't able to come in. So no work, no pay,” said Lyn Dagupan, an administrative staff of the gasoline station. 

In another gasoline station, the staff said they ran out of diesel yesterday after a huge surge of customers rushed to fill up on Monday, right before the massive price hike took effect. 

But the problem is they still haven't received a new supply of diesel as of today.

“Our latest update is that the supply is still stuck in the queue at the terminal because the demand across Metro Manila is simply overwhelming,” an employee said. 

“This is a one-of-a-kind situation, given how extreme the demand has been.” 

The owner of the said gasoline station is worried that they might have to close if they don’t receive any supply in the coming days. 

“Well, in the worst-case scenario, if we don't get a replenishment, we might have to close the station within a couple of days because we'll have no products to serve. I wish we could source fuel through alternative channels; that would be much better. But as of now, it looks like our supply lines are strained due to the Middle East crisis. Hopefully, we can get some help,” the owner said. 

Following yesterday's initial increase, there’s an additional hike of ₱7.30 per liter for diesel, ₱3.50 per liter for gasoline, and ₱8.40 per liter for kerosene.

Hence, public and private vehicle drivers are now voicing their frustration with the crisis. 

“It's just too high. Before, we only had to drive for 15 hours, but now we have to drive almost all day just to earn enough to bring something home for the family. We can't just stop working because we wouldn't have any way to support our families or our children,” said Elijah Astor, a TNVS driver. 

“It’s really tough, because we can’t even find passengers on the road. The money we collect from passengers just goes straight to the gas station,” said taxi driver Lito Panerio. 

“I used to spend only ₱500 on fuel. Now, it’s going to cost me ₱900. The number of trips remains the same, though. I used to earn about ₱800, but now, it’ll likely be just ₱500,” said jeepney driver Clarito Chavez. —Vince Angelo Ferreras/RF, GMA Integrated News