The year 2025 has barely started but motorists are already feeling the pinch as oil prices rose for the second time in a week, with diesel increasing by P1.40 per liter, and gasoline and kerosene by P1.00 per liter.

Tricycle drivers in Calasiao, Pangasinan, are among those most affected.

Roldan De Vera, 33, shared how the hikes have strained his earnings.

“Medyo kinakaya kahit mataas ‘yung presyo ng gasolina. Parang naa-adjust sa budget,” he said, though much of his income now goes to fuel.

Bryan De Vera, 43, echoed the sentiment. He said his meager earnings barely cover his tricycle’s maintenance.

“Mahirap ang pasada ngayon. Tapos ‘yung kinikita namin, napupunta sa gas tapos sa pagkain. Ang savings lang namin, parang wala. Pambaon ng bata, ganon lang,” he said.

Motorists, like the De Veras, are forced to work overtime just to make ends meet.

The Department of Energy attributed the increase to rising global demand and reduced production from oil-producing countries.