Manila: Fuel subsidy for public utility vehicles (PUV) will soon be disbursed to both consolidated and unconsolidated drivers and operators in response to rising fuel prices brought by the conflicts in the Middle East. In a statement on Tuesday, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) said fuel subsidies have been prepared in coordination with the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) in line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s order to provide immediate relief to the transport sector.

According to Philippines News Agency, the DOTr emphasized that drivers or operators do not need to be consolidated to receive the fuel subsidy. The government aims for the program to be inclusive since the whole sector will feel the effects of rising fuel costs. To date, the DOTr and the LTFRB are also coordinating with the Department of Energy (DOE), Department of the Interior and Local Government, Department of Information and Communications Technology, and Landbank of the Philippines for the disbursement of subsidies.

The DOTr expects the subsidy to be disbursed quickly in line with the President's order to expedite its distribution. Earlier, the DOE stated that oil firms have agreed to implement fuel price hikes on a staggered basis, with the first round of price hikes to take effect Tuesday. The total price hikes are PHP3.50 per liter for gasoline, PHP5.20 per liter for diesel, and PHP4.80 per liter for kerosene. Prices are expected to go down next week following the announcement of a ceasefire between Israel and Iran.