Over 45% of PUVs halt operations in Region 1

More than 45 percent of public utility vehicles in Region 1 have stopped operating, as a fifth straight week of fuel price hikes pushed diesel prices to as high as P154 per liter.

As of April 7, 2026, diesel sells between P149 and P154 per liter in some gas stations, with total increases nearing P100 in recent weeks, based on local monitoring.

“Mataas na masyado, mahirap na,” Ino Villarin, a truck driver, said.

The transport sector has been hit the hardest. Data from the Land Transportation Office (LTO) in Region 1 showed that more than 45 percent of jeepneys and buses have stopped operating due to high fuel costs.

“Regionwide mayroon nang 45 percent na mga sasakyan pampubliko na hindi na bumibiyahe kasi sa totoo lang talo sila sa gastusin,” LTO-1 Director Glorioso Daniel Martinez said.

In response, the LTO has started offering free rides in selected routes, including buses bound for La Union. More routes, such as Carmen to Dagupan City, are expected to be added next week.

“Araw-araw ito hanggat kaya ng ating logistics, so sana tangkilikin ng ating mga kababayan ang libreng sakay,” Martinez said.

However, some commuters said the number of available vehicles remains limited.

“Sana hanggang umaga mayroong libreng sakay kasi 4 a.m. ang pasok namin. Sana mayroon nang libreng sakay noon,” Gina Centeno, a commuter, said.

Another commuter, Grace Revilla, said she had to wait for a long time due to the lack of rides.

“Kaninang umaga, hanggang 10 minutes akong naghintay, wala kasi masakyan,” she said.

The LTO said it will meet with local government units to discuss long-term measures to address the transport shortage and reduce the impact on commuters. —GMA Regional TV