Another round of fuel price increases is squeezing daily commuters in Pangasinan, with students and jeepney drivers feeling the impact as gasoline, diesel, and kerosene prices rose on Tuesday, January 20, 2026.

In Mangaldan, Alfred Rosario, a student, relies on his motorcycle to get to school to avoid traffic and save on transportation costs. But higher fuel prices are now cutting into his daily allowance.

“Hindi masaya kasi siyempre tumaas na naman eh alam naman natin ang mga bilihin. Imbes na makatipid, parang mas napapagastos pa kahit papaano,” Rosario said.

As of January 20, gasoline prices increased by one peso per liter, diesel by two pesos per liter, and kerosene by one peso and 50 centavos per liter, according to the Department of Energy.

Jeepney drivers are among those hardest hit by the adjustment. Rosendo Moyano, a 69-year-old driver, said his daily earnings have dropped as his fuel expenses continue to rise.

“Ang hirap mamasada kasi ’yung kita namin napupunta sa gasolina. Eh wala kaming magagawa. Ang importante, tiyaka lang,” Moyano said.

Moyano added that his daily diesel expenses have climbed to about 1,200 pesos, leaving little income after long hours on the road.

Transport groups warned that further increases could worsen the situation. Bernard Tuliao, president of the One Pangasinan Transport Federation, said global events may continue to push fuel prices higher.

“Itong nangyayari sa Iran, sa Venezuela kaya ini-expect din natin na maaaring magtuloy-tuloy ito. Siyempre, dudulog din tayo sa kinauukulan na kung sakaling next week, tumaas na naman ng dalawang piso, medyo mabigat na,” Tuliao said.

The Department of Energy said the latest price hike is one of the biggest adjustments this year, driven by global market pressures and geopolitical tensions affecting oil supply.