Fare hike unlikely amid fuel price hikes, petition —LTFRB

Imposing a fare increase in public utility vehicles after recent fuel price hikes is unlikely, according to the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) on Wednesday.

Interviewed on GMA News’ Unang Balita, LTFRB chairperson Martin Delgra said the Department of Transportation (DOTr) is avoiding putting a burden on commuters.

“Ang ginagawa po natin dito [ay] tugunan 'yung hinaing ng ating operator but without having a much more negative impact sa mga commuter,” he said.

(What we are doing here is to respond to the concern of our operators but without having a much more negative impact on commuters.)

Delgra confirmed that the LTFRB received a petition to increase fare.

He said the DOTr is more inclined to assist in meeting the financial needs of the public transport sector through service contract programs and “Pantawid Pasada” cash aid than in increasing the fare.

Oil firms had another big-time price hike this Tuesday to mark the sixth straight week of increases.

Prices per liter of gasoline went up by P1.05, diesel by P1.20, and kerosene by P1.25.

Latest data available from the Department of Energy indicate that year-to-date adjustments stand at a total net increase of P4.95 per liter for gasoline, P7.20 per liter for diesel, and P6.75 per liter for kerosene. —KG, GMA News