Tricycle drivers in Dumaguete City, the capital of Negros Oriental, are appealing for a P5 increase in the minimum fare following a rise in the prices of fuel triggered by the tension in the Middle East.

Tricycles are the city's primary mode of public transportation. At present, the minimum fare for a ride is P15.

As of this writing, a liter of gasoline in the city costs P61 to P66 but with the possibility of a P12 increase per liter, as projected by the Department of Energy (DOE), a liter of gasoline may reach P80.

Tricycle drivers said their income may no longer be enough to put food on the table. They used to take home P700 after 12 hours in the streets but this has reportedly already gone down to P400.

They anticipate this may even go lower with fewer people going out with the implementation of a four-day work week in government offices.

But commuters argue that tricycle drivers are not the only ones affected by the fuel price hike.

“Dahan-dahan dapat. Hindi sila dapat nanghihingi muna kasi lahat nahihirapan,” said Lonie Palencia.

“Para nako, dili sya ok kay dili tanan kaya ang plite,” student Khazy Coming agreed.

The  Federation of Dumaguete Motorcab For-Hire Operators and Drivers Association (FEDUMCODA) called for understanding from passengers.

“Mao na ako pud nga gitimbang-timbang kay lagi dili pud mosaka dayon ang sweldo sa mga tawo,” Reynaldo Diala, President of the organization.

The group pointed out that senior citizen commuters, persons with disabilities, and students are eligible for a 20 percent discount in fare.

The local franchising and regulatory board is yet to comment on the issue.