TABUK CITY, Kalinga – The Tabuk City government has reminded tricycle drivers to revert to the fare rates prescribed under Ordinance No. 004, Series of 2022, even as fuel prices continued to rise by as much as ₱7 per liter this month, raising concerns among transport operators over whether the old fare matrix remains sustainable.
During the first fuel pricing cycle of July (July 1–6), diesel was sold at around ₱73.30 to ₱79.20 per liter, while gasoline (RON95) ranged from ₱78.35 to ₱84.35 and kerosene from ₱100.80 to ₱106.70 per liter.
Another nationwide oil price adjustment took effect on July 7, pushing diesel prices to ₱76.50 to ₱82.80 per liter. Gasoline slightly increased to ₱78.60 to ₱84.60, while kerosene climbed to ₱104.50 to ₱110.40 per liter. The prices remained unchanged until July 13.
Amid the rising fuel costs, the City Business Permits and Licensing Office (CBPLO) issued an advisory on July 9 reminding tricycle drivers and commuters that Ordinance No. 004, Series of 2022 remains in force. The advisory directed drivers to strictly follow the approved tricycle fare matrix and warned that charging fares beyond the authorized rates could result in penalties.
However, just five days after the advisory, fuel prices increased once again.
Effective July 14, diesel prices climbed further to ₱80.50 to ₱87.50 per liter, while kerosene rose to ₱107.60 to ₱114.60. Gasoline remained at around ₱78.60 to ₱85.60 per liter, with the latest prices staying in effect through July 17.
Compared with the first week of July, diesel prices in Tabuk City have increased by as much as ₱7 per liter, reflecting successive nationwide oil price hikes and additional freight costs associated with transporting fuel to Kalinga.
The continued increase in pump prices has renewed discussion on the city's existing tricycle fare policy.
The 2022 fare matrix was adopted under a different economic environment. More recently, temporary fare adjustments were allowed following the spike in global oil prices triggered by tensions in the Middle East, including the conflict involving Iran and the United States.
With the city now requiring drivers to follow the 2022 fare rates, some transport operators are questioning whether the rollback comes too soon, especially as global oil prices remain volatile and the long-term impact of geopolitical tensions on fuel supply and pricing remains uncertain.
As of this writing, the Tabuk City government has not announced any proposal to amend Ordinance No. 004, Series of 2022, or revise the current tricycle fare matrix.
The pressure on transport operators may further intensify next week, as another major fuel price increase is expected to take effect.
According to an oil industry forecast, diesel prices could increase by ₱9.50 to ₱10.50 per liter, while gasoline prices may rise by ₱3.50 to ₱4.50 per liter due to renewed tensions in the Middle East involving the United States and Iran.
The expected hike also raises questions on whether reverting to the 2022 fare matrix remains sustainable if fuel prices continue to climb in the coming weeks.
.png)
