A sharp increase in fuel prices took effect on Tuesday, July 21, 2026, pushing diesel prices up by more than P10 per liter and prompting transport groups in Pangasinan to renew their call for the government to restore a fuel discount for public utility jeepney (PUJ) drivers.
Based on the Department of Energy's advisory, diesel prices increased by P10.68 per liter, gasoline by P3.65 per liter, and kerosene by P11.77 per liter.
PUJ drivers said the latest price hike would further reduce their already limited earnings.
"Mahirap para sa amin kasi maliit na ang maiuuwi namin sa pamilya," Gerald Ocampo, a PUJ driver, said.
Another driver said the increase would make it even harder for operators and drivers to earn enough.
"Masakit ito sa amin kasi ganitong mataas ang diesel, ang hirap," Mike Mejia, another PUJ driver, said.
As motorists rushed to fill up before the price adjustment, some gasoline stations in Pangasinan temporarily ran out of diesel.
One gasoline station in Dagupan City said its diesel supply was depleted a day before the price hike because of the unusually high demand. The station said a new supply is expected to arrive.
Meanwhile, the One Pangasinan Transport Federation (OPTF) urged the national government to reinstate the P10-per-liter diesel discount for jeepney drivers.
According to the group, accredited gasoline stations in Pangasinan stopped providing the discount on June 30.
OPTF President Bernard Tuliao said drivers continue to rely on the subsidy to cope with rising fuel prices.
"Tayo ay humihirit pa rin ng discount doon sa fuel na dating ibinigay na sampung piso kada litro. So ito 'yung inaasahan natin na pansamantalang ibigay para sa amin kasi sa ngayon wala na 'yung 10 pesos na discount sa mga piling gasoline stations kaya doon kami umaasa," he said.
The national government previously implemented the P10-per-liter diesel discount as part of its fuel assistance program for public utility jeepney drivers.
Under the program, each eligible driver could receive the discount for up to 150 liters of diesel per week, equivalent to a maximum subsidy of P1,500 weekly.
Meanwhile, transport groups in Western Visayas also seek a temporary fare increase, saying many PUJ drivers are struggling to stay on the road as diesel prices continue to climb.
Charlie Jadulan, a PUJ driver, said he now spends more time waiting than driving to reduce fuel costs. With diesel prices ranging from P82 to P89 per liter, he said drivers are losing money unless fares are increased.
He appealed for a temporary fare adjustment until fuel prices stabilize.
"Malaking tulong sana sa amin kung dadagdagan kahit piso. Temporary lang, ibalik naman sa regular kapag bumaba na ang presyo ng petrolyo," he said.
The impact of the fuel price hikes is also being felt by private vehicle owners.
Janelle Rose Robejes, a motorist, said higher fuel costs have significantly increased her family's monthly expenses.
"Malaki ang madadagdag sa budget namin every month. Masakit talaga siya sa bulsa," she said.
Transport groups across Western Visayas echoed the same concerns.
As a result, transport cooperatives in the region are preparing to file a petition for a P1 to P2 provisional fare increase for jeepneys.
Western Visayas Transport Cooperative (WVTC) Chairman Boyet Parcon said operators would not ask for higher fares if fuel prices were manageable.
"Sa part namin, hindi sana namin hihilingin na dagdagan ang pamasahe. Kaso nakikita n'yo naman, nakikita rin ng ating mga residente na masakit sa ngayon ang presyo ng diesel," he said.
The current minimum fare is P13 for traditional jeepneys and P15 for modernized jeepneys.
Maria Rey Ann Sarches, a college student, said she receives a daily allowance of P100, with P30 already allocated for transportation. She worries that another fare increase would consume an even larger share of her budget.
"Hindi lang sa amin mahirap, kundi pati rin sa side ng aming parents na naghahanap ng trabaho upang makapagsuporta sa aming pag-aaral," she said.
(with reports from GMA Regional TV One Western Visayas)
