BUSINESS

Gov’t keeps fare hike on hold amid oil swings

Maria Bernadette Romero · Aug 7, 2026, 12:35 AM

(July 31 2026) Public transport load and unload passengers at Philcoa along Commonwealth avenue in Quezon City on Friday July 31 2026. The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has started the deliberation on the fare hike petitions filed by five transport groups amid the increases in fuel prices brought by the ongoing Middle East conflict. The petitions cover public utility jeepneys (PUJ), passenger buses, UV Express, taxis, and motorcycle taxis, fare hike petitions were filed by PISTON, Metro Comet Transport Service Cooperative, UV Express National Alliance of the Philippines, United Transportation Coalition of the Philippines, and Manibela. Photo/Analy Labor

The government will keep the proposed fare hike for public utility vehicles (PUVs) on hold as it moves to shield commuters from the impact of volatile oil prices.

Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez said on Thursday that the Office of the President ordered the continued suspension of the fare increase approved in March.

He said the government—not the commuting public—should bear the burden while global fuel prices remain unstable due to tensions in the Middle East.

“Especially now that oil prices are unstable, the President said it is the government’s responsibility to come up with solutions. We should not pass this on to the public,” Lopez said.

The transportation chief clarified that the March fare hike has not been rejected, but merely suspended while the government continues to assess the situation.

“The March 2026 fare hike remains suspended. Suspended does not mean it has been disapproved because the process still has to continue,” he said.

Lopez added that hearings on a separate petition seeking another fare increase will proceed.

Instead of allowing an immediate fare adjustment, the government is expanding assistance for transport operators to help offset rising fuel costs.

Beginning 15 August, the fuel discount for public transport drivers will increase from P10 to P12 per liter for the rest of the month. Starting 10 August, provincial buses will also be exempted from paying toll fees on North and South Luzon Expressways.

The government has likewise secured the extension of PITX’s terminal fee waiver for city buses until the end of the year.

Meanwhile, SM Supermalls has agreed to waive monthly terminal fees for public utility vehicles operating in its terminals beginning 15 August.