Some Public Utility Jeepney (PUJ) drivers in Pangasinan may stop operating again following the latest increase in fuel prices, raising concerns in the local transport sector.

Fuel prices rose on Tuesday, with gasoline up by P2.21 per liter and diesel by P2.66 per liter, based on data from the Department of Energy (DOE).

Gerald Casanova, a jeepney driver, said the increase has made him reconsider returning to the road after recently resuming operations.

“Nag-aalinlangan na naman akong bumiyahe sa ganitong sitwasyon,” he said.

Casanova had stopped driving for nearly a month due to high fuel costs but returned following weeks of price rollbacks.

According to the One Pangasinan Transport Federation (OPTF), about 90 percent or more than 1,000 jeepney drivers in the province had already resumed operations as fuel prices eased in recent weeks.

However, the group warned that the latest hike could again affect drivers’ income and operations.

“’Yung napag-usapan namin sa National Confederation of Transport Cooperatives, sana magkaroon ng price cap na P55 at ‘yung mga ayuda ay direkta na lang sa mga gasoline station na direktang ibabawas nalang para lahat makatikim,” OPTF president Bernard Tuliao said.

Another driver, Omar Mote, said lower diesel prices would significantly improve earnings.

“Kung babalik sa P55, okay na okay na ‘yun. Gaganda na ang kita namin. Sana nga ganun,” he said.

The transport group said it continues to coordinate with the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) and the provincial government to seek support.

Drivers are also hoping for the approval of a long-pending fare increase petition to help offset rising fuel costs.