P3-B fuel subsidy available for PUVs, says LTFRB

The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) is set to release about P3-billion fuel subsidy in the form of call cards earmarked for public utility vehicles or PUVs next week, according to the report of Joseph Morong on "24 Oras."

About P10,000 will be given to each modern jeepney and UV Express unit, and P6,500 for drivers of traditional jeepneys.

Motorcycle taxis and delivery service riders will be given P1,200 that will be distributed through e-wallet.

Tricycle drivers will receive P1,000 each that will be distributed by the local government unit where they are registered.

In separate advisories, Chevron Philippines Inc. (Caltex), Flying V, Petron Corp., Pilipinas Shell Petroleum Corp., and Seaoil Philippines Corp. said they will increase prices per liter of gasoline by P0.50, diesel by P4.00, and kerosene by P2.75.

Cleanfuel, Petro Gazz, Phoenix Petroleum Philippines Inc., PTT Philippines Corp., and Unioil Petroleum Philippines Inc. will implement the same changes, excluding kerosene which they do not carry.

The changes will take effect at 6 a.m. on Tuesday, August 8, 2023, for all the firms, except for Cleanfuel, which will adjust prices at 4:01 p.m., and Caltex at 12:01 a.m. the same day.

Call cards for fuel

LTFRB Chairman Atty. Teofilo Guadiz III said the cards can only be used in different gasoline stations in exchange for fuel.

Pasang Masda President Obet Martin said the cards can be used to buy additional fuel.

However, some jeepney operators say the subsidy is not enough with the price hike so they propose the implementation of a one-peso fare hike.

Fare rate hike

The LTFRB is lukewarm on the proposed rate, saying that only a 50-centavo fare hike may be considered for approval.

Martin replied that if a 50-centavo hike will be approved, they will not pursue the proposed one-peso fare hike.

The list of beneficiaries, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) said, were already given to the Department of Transportation for distribution via e-wallets.

The LTFRB said, if the budget is not enough, they will ask for additional funds for the fuel subsidy from Congress.

The Executive Department, meanwhile, said an additional P2.5-billion fuel subsidy has been added to the National Expenditure Program or budget it submitted to Congress for 2024.

Rush hour rate

A proposal for a rush hour rate was raised in which an additional one peso will be charged from 5 a.m. to 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Martin said the fare will be reduced once there is a decrease in oil prices. — BAP, GMA Integrated News