PISTON Criticizes Oil Price Rollback as Insufficient Amid Middle East Crisis
The recent reductions in petroleum product prices, including an expected rollback tomorrow, remain insufficient when compared to the cost levels before the outbreak of the war in the Middle East. This was emphasized by Mody Floranda, the national president of PISTON, in the face of a planned nationwide transport stoppage and protest organized by their group.
Drivers' Earnings Plunge Due to High Fuel Costs
According to Floranda, drivers currently earn only around P200 within an 18-hour driving shift, a dire situation attributed to the soaring prices of crude oil and low passenger fares. Industry records show that diesel prices exceeded P80 per liter in March 2026, a direct result of tensions in the Middle East that triggered increases in the global market. Although there have been rollbacks in April, these reductions still fall far short of pre-crisis levels.
Calls for Government Action and Nationwide Strikes
Consequently, PISTON has insisted that temporary solutions, such as fuel subsidies and service contracting, are inadequate. The group is calling for more substantial measures from the government to address the ongoing crisis. From April 15 to 17, 2026, PISTON and MANIBELA are scheduled to conduct a nationwide transport strike to express their opposition to high oil prices and to demand a fairer rollback.
This action is expected to have widespread effects on commuter travel in Metro Manila and other regions, as drivers continue to push for long-term solutions to the transportation crisis. The strikes highlight the urgent need for sustainable policies to mitigate the economic impact on the transport sector and the general public.
