Public utility vehicle (PUV) drivers in Mandaluyong City have been taking advantage of discounts and delayed price adjustments at several gas stations along Shaw Boulevard amid the latest oil price hike, as reported by RH Edniel Parrosa.
This marks the eighth consecutive increase in gasoline prices and the tenth consecutive rise in diesel rates. Observers noted that PUV operators, including jeepneys, taxis, and tricycles, are flocking to certain gas stations offering special promotions.
Shell, for example, is offering a permanent discount of PHP 2.43 per liter for PUVs. Gasoline at Shell is priced at PHP 58.89 per liter, reduced to PHP 55.89 for qualifying PUVs, while diesel costs PHP 61.19 per liter, discounted to PHP 59.19.
SeaOil, on the other hand, has captured attention along Shaw Boulevard by offering some of the lowest prices and the largest discounts, ranging from PHP 2 to PHP 4 per liter. Their gasoline is priced at PHP 54.90 per liter, while diesel is PHP 54.70 per liter before discounts. According to Ryan Nieto, a senior SeaOil employee, the promotion is valid until March 31 and applies to select stations.
“Basta obvious na dala nilang sasakyan ay PUV. Ang mga TNVS kailangan po in-uniform sila, on duty, tapos meron silang apps na meron silang profile na account nila yan,” Nieto said.
Other stations like Clean Fuel have been slower to implement the price hikes. The company reportedly applies oil price rollbacks quickly but delays increase, meaning motorists there are paying higher prices later in the day.
Despite the discounts, some PUV drivers expressed concern over the rising fuel costs amid geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. Mang Ronald, a tricycle driver, said he loses around PHP 150 from his typical PHP 400–500 daily earnings due to fuel costs.
“Lalo na ‘yan may nangyayaring giyera sa ibang bansa, apektado na naman tayo,” he said.
Meanwhile, others, like Mang Melchor, said they are somewhat accustomed to high fuel prices. “Parang nasanay na rin kami, naranasan namin ‘yong presyo ng gasolina dati na umaabot ng 64 o 65,” he added.
According to the Department of Energy, a fresh round of big‑time fuel price hikes is looming in the coming weeks due to the continuing conflict in the Middle East.
