The government’s increased fuel discount for jeepney and UV Express operators began rolling out nationwide, with the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) stepping up inspections to ensure participating fuel stations are properly implementing the program.
LTFRB officials conducted surprise inspections at selected gasoline stations in Metro Manila on the first day of implementation to check how the higher discount was being applied and identify any problems that could affect public transport operators.
Initial monitoring showed that eight of the 10 stations visited were already providing the new P12-per-liter discount. Officials said no major implementation issues had been reported so far, but regional offices have been directed to continue daily monitoring and immediately address concerns raised by fuel stations or beneficiaries.
The fuel assistance was previously set at P10 per liter. It was extended and increased to P12 per liter as part of the government’s continuing support for the public transportation sector.
The program covers more than 143,000 jeepney and UV Express units and is being implemented through over 5,000 participating gasoline stations nationwide.
Under the guidelines, eligible operators can purchase up to 150 liters of discounted fuel each week, translating to potential savings of about P1,800 weekly at the full P12-per-liter discount.
Availing of the benefit is designed to be straightforward. Drivers only need to provide their vehicle’s license plate number before fueling, with the discount automatically deducted from the purchase.
Some drivers also reported receiving additional savings through loyalty promotions offered by individual fuel stations. These discounts can reach as much as P5 per liter, potentially bringing the total savings to P17 per liter when combined with the government assistance.
With fuel prices at the inspected stations ranging from about P81 to P89 per liter, the combined discounts could bring the effective price down to roughly P64 to P72 per liter, depending on the station and applicable loyalty promotion.
The Department of Transportation and LTFRB developed the online platform for the program with assistance from LandBank of the Philippines and in coordination with the Department of Energy.
Regional Franchising and Regulatory Offices have been instructed to submit regular reports on implementation in their respective areas. The LTFRB also said it is preparing the necessary credit memoranda to facilitate the prompt reimbursement of participating fuel stations.
The agency said continued monitoring will focus on ensuring that eligible public transport operators receive the full benefit while concerns from participating fuel stations are addressed without delay.