Traffic volume in downtown Dagupan City went down on Monday, March 9, 2026, as rising fuel prices began to affect motorists, local traffic officials said.

The city’s Public Order and Safety Office (POSO) estimated that the number of vehicles entering the downtown area fell by about 10 percent during the morning rush. Officials said the drop may be linked to recent fuel price increases implemented by some gasoline stations over the weekend, even before the official adjustment.

POSO chief Arvin Decano said several major roads in the city experienced lighter traffic than usual.

“Kung makikita mo ‘yung Tapuac, Burgos, halos walang traffic. ‘Yung Arellano rin. Ang traffic lang kanina, ‘yung Bonuan kasi may patay,” Decano said.

While lighter traffic helped ease congestion, officials said it also raised concerns that more commuters may rely on public transportation, potentially straining available passenger vehicles.

Authorities warned that vehicle volume could drop further on Tuesday when a major fuel price hike is expected to take effect.

POSO also cautioned public transport drivers against overcharging passengers, particularly tricycle drivers.

“Overcharging. Open ang POSO, mag-report lang po kayo,” Decano said.

Tricycle drivers acknowledged that higher fuel prices have affected their income, but said they still need to follow the fare matrix set by the local government.

“’Pag tinaasan namin ‘yung pamsahe, overcharge. Mari-report kami sa POSO. Baka maalisan pa kami ng prangkisa,” Jonathan Daroya, a tricycle driver and operator, said.

Under the current fare matrix, the regular tricycle fare is set at P20, while special hire trips from designated holding areas cost P30.