Jeepney drivers in Pangasinan said their daily earnings have dropped sharply following last week’s mega oil price hike, with some now taking home only about P300 a day.

The One Pangasinan Transport Federation (OPTF) said drivers’ income will likely shrink further as another major fuel price increase takes effect on Tuesday, March 17, 2026.

Mario Aquino, a jeepney driver, said the situation is already difficult for public transport workers.

“Sana tataas ang pasahe kasi kung hindi tataas kawawa na kami, kahit dalawang kilong bigas hindi na kami makabili,” Aquino said.

Transport groups welcomed the announcement of a possible fare increase from the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB), but the exact amount has yet to be finalized.

“Yes, maganda ‘yan. Sa ngayon hindi pa naman alam kung piso o dalawang piso ang increase,” Bernard Tuliao, president of the One Pangasinan Transport Federation, said.

Aside from jeepneys, fares for provincial buses are also set to increase. For ordinary provincial buses, the base fare will rise by P1, with an additional P0.30 per succeeding kilometer.

Air-conditioned, deluxe, and super deluxe buses will see a P0.35 increase per kilometer, while luxury buses will have a P0.45 increase.

Meanwhile, fare adjustments for other public utility vehicles such as taxis and UV Express units will still undergo hearings and consultations after a petition was recently filed.

Some commuters like Alfred Ocampo opposed the expected fare hike, saying it would add to their daily expenses.

“Mahirap lalo na sa mga student at nagtatrabaho na araw-araw nagko-commute,” Ocampo said.

The Department of Energy earlier announced another round of oil price increases starting March 17.

Gasoline prices are set to rise by P12.90 to P16.60 per liter, diesel by P20.40 to P23.90 per liter, and kerosene by P6.90 to P8.90 per liter.

Authorities said the price hikes will be implemented in a staggered manner.