Residents in Palawan are feeling the pinch of a “big-time” fuel price hike this March, as gasoline and diesel costs surged by ₱15 to ₱24 per liter amid global tensions in the Middle East. In Sofronio Española and Narra, the price of fuel has already breached the ₱100 per liter mark, while in Coron, diesel has climbed to ₱99.50 per liter and gasoline to ₱95.75. In Puerto Princesa, major stations such as Caltex, Phoenix, and Royal report prices between ₱79.08 and ₱91.73, raising fears that costs may soon top ₱100 per liter across the mainland.
For many locals, filling up a tank has become a financial strain. Motorcycle taxi rider Kiefer De La Torre said the money he used to spend for a full tank now barely covers half.
“Full tank ko na noon 380 pesos, halos half tank na lang ngayon 280 pesos,” Kiefer lamented.
For him, he has little choice but to continue his hustle to provide for his family, noting that the fuel spike could soon push up the cost of food and other essentials.
“Magtataas na naman presyo ng mga bilihin,” he said.
Online discussions reflect residents’ frustration.
“Anlala hahaha nahiya pa di pa ginawang 100 hahahha,” Reddit user, CatchOk8514, joked
“May alternative gas stations ba sa Coron? Island kasi yata iyan binabarko pa yata ang delivery,” MisterFrantic, asked,
“Malampaya has to supply the whole Palawan. Dapat kayo ang immune sa oil hikes,”
ThroughAWayBeach commented, referring to the Malampaya Natural Gas Project in Northern Palawan, that provides 40% of the electricity of the entire Luzon.
To assist transport operators, the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has rolled out the Fuel Subsidy Program (Pantawid Pasada).
The program offers financial aid of up to ₱10,000 for modernized jeepneys and UV Express units, about ₱6,500 for traditional jeepneys, and ₱1,000–₱1,200 for tricycles and delivery services, coordinated with the DILG and DSWD.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. announced national measures to cushion the economic impact of the conflict, including fuel subsidies for public utility drivers, farmers, and fisherfolk.
In a message released Monday, the president also urged local government units to avoid imposing “pass-through fees” on vehicles transporting food and other basic commodities to prevent additional costs from being passed to consumers.
Still, drivers remain wary about the timing of the aid. Tricycle driver Rits Torres said fuel costs have already cut deeply into his earnings.
“Meron pa din pero malaking kabawasan kasi mag rerefuel kami. Malaking kabawasan samin para sa gasoline. Sobrang taas,” he said.
He explained that fare adjustments are not simple.
“Di din kami makataas ng singil kasi kailangan pa naming sabihin sa sanggunian. Kung ano yung presyo noon yun pa din singil naming. Nasasa pasahero na lang kung dadagdag sila,” he said.
The Sangguniang Panlungsod of Puerto Princesa City has also moved to assist the transport sector. The city council passed a resolution on Monday urging city mayor Lucilo Bayron to allocate funds for a local fuel subsidy program for public utility vehicle operators.
Torres also noted that the promised subsidy has not arrived.
“Wala pa kaming natatanggap na fuel subsidy 2 weeks na. Malaking tulong din yun kung sakali sa pamilya namin. Di lang namin tiyak kung totoo yun. Wala pa din kasi abiso ang City,” he said.
The lag highlights a gap between national announcements and local implementation, leaving transport workers to shoulder rising costs while waiting for relief.
Beyond commuters, small businesses reliant on deliveries are also bracing for higher operating costs.
The Department of Energy (DOE) has linked the spike to global supply chain disruptions and geopolitical tensions, while residents are calling for swifter government action and transparent monitoring of local pump prices to prevent further escalation in the cost of living in Palawan.
