Metro Manila diesel prices crossed P100 per liter for the first time in history Wednesday, pushing the archipelago's millions of transport workers into crisis as oil shocks reverberate across Southeast Asia.
Elmer Tano, a jeepney driver for three decades, told GMA Network he now takes home just P300 daily after fuel costs, down from P700 before the spike. "Imbes na kumita sana ako ng mga P700 ngayon, P300 na lang mauuwi ko," he said, skipping lunch to save money.
The historic breach reflects Philippines' particular vulnerability in ASEAN's bifurcated energy landscape. While resource-rich Malaysia and Indonesia benefit from export revenues as crude prices climb, energy importers like Philippines, Thailand, and Singapore absorb the full shock through consumer prices.
According to GMA Integrated News Research, Wednesday marked the first time Metro Manila diesel exceeded the three-digit threshold. The Philippines imports approximately 95% of its petroleum needs, leaving it acutely exposed to global market fluctuations.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. suspended planned jeepney fare increases hours after the price milestone, according to transport officials, but the intervention does little to address underlying supply vulnerabilities.
The crisis extends beyond individual hardship. ' 200,000 jeepneys move an estimated , forming the circulatory system of the region's second-largest economy. When drivers like Tano cut routes or reduce hours to manage fuel costs, the impact cascades through supply chains and labor markets.
