DOTr extends fuel subs to PUVs, no consolidation needed

The Department of Transportation (DOTr) announced that public utility vehicle (PUV) operators and drivers, whether consolidated or not, can still receive fuel subsidies in response to rising fuel prices due to Middle East tensions.

This move aims to ease financial burdens caused by increasing fuel costs and ensure inclusivity for all affected sectors, with a new allocation of 2.5 billion pesos set aside for the subsidies under the 2025 national budget.

The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) will distribute these subsidies once crude oil surpasses $80 per barrel, and no longer requires consolidation as a prerequisite for eligibility.

Under previous programs, various PUV types received different amounts: MPUJs and MUVEs got P10,500; traditional PUJs and UV Express received P5,000; TNVS, taxis, tourist transport services, shuttle services, and school transports were entitled to P4,500.

Delivery service riders and tricycle drivers will receive P2,500 and P1,100 respectively, helping mitigate the impact of rising fuel costs on these sectors.

The DOTr is coordinating with other government agencies like DOE, DILG, DICT, and Landbank to expedite subsidy distribution in line with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s directive, and new technology such as digital platforms and e-wallet systems will be used for transparent payouts.

Fuel retailers have agreed to stagger price hikes for gasoline, diesel, and kerosene over two days starting June 24, 2025, to ease the financial burden on motorists.