Jeepney drivers in Dagupan City say their income has dropped sharply in recent weeks as consecutive big-time fuel price hikes continue to strain their daily earnings.

Many drivers said the higher cost of diesel has left them earning far less than before.

Benjie De Guzman, a jeepney driver, said the recent increases have taken a heavy toll on their livelihood.

“Kasi lumiit yung kita namin sa pagtaas ng krudo,” he said.

According to the Department of Energy’s Oil Industry Management Bureau, global factors continue to influence local fuel prices.

Director Rodela Romero said supply conditions and geopolitical developments remain key drivers.

“May oversupply ng petroleum products sa world market, at the same time mahina daw yung global economic indicators so pahatak pababa ng presyo yun. Pero kung hahatak pataas naman, yung pagbalik ng pagtaas ng geopolitical risk,” she said.

Based on DOE monitoring, diesel and kerosene may again increase next week, while gasoline is expected to have a rollback of around P0.50 per liter effective November 25. Diesel may go up by P0.50, and kerosene by P1.35.

Because of the continued rise in diesel prices, transport groups have renewed their call for a P1 increase in the minimum fare. Drivers say they now lose P100 to P200 of their daily income to fuel costs alone.

“Malaking tulong po dahil mataas na ang presyo ng krudo,” Dante Peralta, a driver, said.

Bernard Tuliao, president of the One Pangasinan Transport Federation, said they hope regulators act soon.

“So hopefully, meron itong parating na pagtaas ng presyo ng diesel, sana maaprubahan na yung request na piso ang increase ng pamasahe natin.”

The federation also confirmed that the LTFRB has already conducted public consultations across the Ilocos Region on the proposed fare adjustment.

LTFRB Region 1 is yet to release a statement as of press time.