BACOLOD City — Public utility bus fares are set to increase following a provisional adjustment ordered by the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) as global fuel prices continue to fluctuate amid the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
In an advisory issued March 16, Vallacar Transit Inc. (VTI) announced that an additional fare per kilometer will be implemented across all its bus routes in compliance with the LTFRB directive.
“The adjustment comes as transport operators face mounting operational costs, particularly from the sustained rise in fuel prices in the global market,” the advisory said.
Fuel remains one of the largest expenses in bus operations, and recent oil price increases have significantly affected the financial viability of public transportation services.
According to the bus company, the fare adjustment is necessary to sustain daily operations while maintaining vehicle maintenance, safety standards, and service quality for passengers.
The provisional fare increase was granted under Section 16 of the Public Service Act (Commonwealth Act No. 146), as amended, and Section 5 of Executive Order No. 202, which allow regulatory authorities to approve adjustments in public utility rates when justified by rising operational costs.
Despite the increase, VTI assured the riding public of its continued commitment to providing safe, reliable, and efficient transportation services. The updated fare matrix will be posted in terminals and inside buses to guide passengers.
The company also appealed for public understanding as the transport sector grapples with the financial impact of volatile fuel prices.
Meanwhile, the Bacolod City government has strengthened monitoring efforts to ensure that petroleum price adjustments remain fair and transparent.
Mayor Greg Gasataya ordered the creation of Fuel Monitoring and Inspection Teams tasked with conducting random inspections of gasoline stations across the city.
The initiative aims to protect consumers amid the fuel crisis linked to geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.
According to Secretary to the Mayor Marty Go, two inspection teams have already been deployed to monitor compliance with fuel pricing regulations.
The teams regularly inspect gas stations to check pump calibration, monitor supply inventories, and verify whether petroleum products are sold in accordance with pricing guidelines set by the Department of Energy.
Gasataya said the Department of Energy projects gasoline prices to increase by P12.90 to P16.60 per liter, diesel by P20.40 to P23.90 per liter, and kerosene by P6.90 to P8.90 per liter for the week of March 17 to 23.
He added that several fuel companies have announced staggered price increases from March 17 to 19 to help cushion the immediate impact on consumers./PN
