Motorcycle taxi riders get cash aid as fuel hike looms anew

Thousands of motorcycle taxi riders lined up in Manila to receive cash assistance from the government as another increase in fuel prices is expected next week, according to a report by 24 Oras Weekend.

Despite the hot weather, riders queued for cash relief assistance distributed by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).

Around 2,500 riders received P5,000 each under the assistance program, which will continue until Sunday.

The payout comes as industry sources project another round of fuel price increases. Diesel prices may rise by 25 centavos to 60 centavos per liter, while gasoline prices could increase by as much as P1 per liter.

Fuel prices have remained elevated despite ongoing talks between the United States and Iran, with gasoline prices rising for three consecutive weeks and another increase possible on Tuesday.

Rino Abad of the Department of Energy said uncertainty surrounding peace negotiations has contributed to volatility in oil prices.

“The peace talks have not yet reached a resolution, so naturally there has been uncertainty over the past three weeks,” Abad said. He added that the extension of a ceasefire by Donald Trump helped temper price increases in recent weeks and may prevent a sharp spike next week.

Some riders said rising fuel costs continue to strain their livelihood.

“Diesel used to be cheaper, but now it’s the opposite. We’re struggling, so we just endure the cost of gasoline,” rider Mark Regaspi said.

Another rider, Rizzie Mertalla, said expensive fuel has made commuting and earning a living more difficult.

“We thought prices would go down, but instead they climbed from around P70 to over P80. We thought we could recover, but nothing changed,” rider Teteng Ortales said.

Efren Silara said another fuel increase would further burden drivers.

“We just have to endure because we still need to buy rice. Another increase would only add to the hardship for drivers,” he said.