Jeepney, UV Express drivers could save up to P17/L on fuel

National

FUEL savings for jeepney and UV Express operators could reach P17 per liter at some gas stations, combining the government’s expanded subsidy with separate customer loyalty discounts, the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) said.

The national government began implementing its P12-per-liter fuel discount on Saturday, Aug. 15, as part of its expanded subsidy program for jeepneys and UV Express vehicles.

LTFRB Chairman Vigor D. Mendoza II said the agency would expedite payments to participating gas stations to help ensure the program’s smooth implementation.

“We are now preparing the credit memos so we can pay gas stations without delay,” Mendoza said in a Manila Bulletin article.

He also instructed all LTFRB regional offices to continuously monitor the program and submit reports on its implementation in their respective areas.

Mendoza directed LTFRB personnel to immediately address concerns arising from the program’s implementation.

He said the agency would also promptly process the documentary requirements needed to facilitate payments to participating gas stations nationwide.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. earlier increased the fuel subsidy from P10 to P12 per liter for jeepneys and UV Express vehicles, two of the country’s most widely used public utility vehicles (PUVs).

During his visit to gas stations in Metro Manila on Saturday, Mendoza said jeepney drivers told him that some fuel stations also provide additional discounts through loyalty customer programs.

These discounts are separate from the government subsidy.

Mendoza said loyalty programs at some stations offer discounts of up to P5 per liter. Combined with the P12-per-liter government subsidy, the total discount could reach P17 per liter.

At the gas stations visited by Mendoza, fuel prices ranged from P81 to P89 per liter. With the government discount and loyalty promotions, he said the effective price could fall to between P64 and P72 per liter.

More than 143,000 jeepney and UV Express units have been listed under the fuel discount program, which is being implemented at more than 5,000 gas stations nationwide.

Under the guidelines, operators may avail of up to 150 liters of discounted petroleum products each week, equivalent to potential savings of about P1,800 weekly based on the P12-per-liter government discount.

Drivers only need to present their vehicle’s license plate number before refueling. The applicable discount is automatically deducted from the purchase.(MyTVCebu)