Philippine transport groups strike over fuel price hikes

Transport groups in the Philippines launched a nationwide strike over soaring fuel prices, calling for fare hikes and suspension of fuel taxes to ease drivers’ financial burden. The protest highlights growing economic pressure as global conflicts drive up operating costs.

Reuters

19 March 2026 at 07:11:20

Philippine transport groups strike over fuel price hikes

A screen grab from the video posted on Reuters about the protesters of Philippines transport group.

Adrian Portugal/Reuters

Transport groups in the Philippines staged a nationwide strike on Thursday (March 19) to protest rising fuel prices, warning that drivers are facing steep income losses and worsening economic pressure as operating costs continue to climb amid war in the Middle East.

Among other things, they called for fare hike increases for drivers, and urged the government to suspend the value-added tax (VAT) and excise tax on fuel.

Many drivers have been operating at a loss, with rising fuel costs eroding already thin earnings, transport activist, Mody Floranda, said.

The Philippines imports nearly all of its crude oil from the Middle East. It has been scrambling to deal with rising prices triggered by the US-Israeli war on Iran.

Production: Adrian Portugal/Reuters