Jeepney drivers urge fare hike, fuel subsidy amid oil crisis caused by Russia-Ukraine conflict

Passengers pictured at Tandang Sora Jeep Terminal in Visayas Avenue, Quezon City on Oct. 19, 2021. The Department of Transportation is pushing for an increase in passenger capacity of public utility vehicles following the downgrading of Metro Manila's COVID-19 alert level from 4 to 3.

The STAR / Michael Varcas

MANILA, Philippines — Jeepney drivers and operators Monday urged the national government to expedite the release of fuel subsidies and fare increases to help them withstand the rising costs of diesel fuel brought on by the Russian invasion of Ukraine. 

Speaking at the hearing of the House ad-hoc committee on the fuel crisis caused by Russia's invasion of Ukraine, Rep. Edgar Sarmiento (Samar) who chairs the House transportation committee said that the cost of $115.74 per barrel of crude oil as of August 2022 marked the second-highest price since 2008.

Of that amount, the average pump price in the Philippines stands at P67.99, marking the highest so far. The crisis between Russia and Ukraine is seen to threaten the food and oil supply and livelihoods of people in Europe, Africa, and Asia.

Full Story: https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2022/03/07/2165576/jeepney-drivers-urge-fare-hike-fuel-subsidy-amid-oil-crisis-caused-russia-ukraine-conflict