Protest Erupts at Cubao Gas Station Amidst Major Oil Price Hike
Several groups staged a protest at a gasoline station in Cubao, Quezon City, coinciding with a significant surge in petroleum product prices effective Tuesday, March 10, 2026. The demonstration highlighted the severe economic strain on key sectors, including fishermen and farmers, due to the ongoing price increases.
Impact on Fishermen and Farmers
According to Ronnel Arambulo, Vice Chairperson of the group Pamalakaya, the continuous rise in petroleum product prices has a profound effect on fishermen. In fact, he stated that they have reduced their fishing hours from six to eight hours down to just four hours as a direct result of the escalating costs of petroleum products. Similarly, farmers are facing a parallel crisis.
Ronnie Manalo, Secretary General of Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas, emphasized that farmers are primarily affected by the spike in petroleum prices because modern agriculture heavily depends on oil for machinery and transportation. This dependency exacerbates their financial burdens, making it increasingly difficult to sustain agricultural operations.
Consumer Struggles and Demands
The group Anakpawis added that consumers are struggling immensely to stretch their budgets for daily expenses, compounded by the high prices of goods. In response, they have issued a call to action, urging the government to repeal the oil deregulation law and remove the value-added tax on petroleum products. These measures, they argue, are essential to alleviate the burden on Filipino consumers and provide relief from the economic pressures caused by the price hikes.
The protest underscores the widespread discontent and economic hardship faced by various sectors, as they unite to demand policy changes in the face of rising fuel costs. The event in Cubao serves as a stark reminder of the tangible impacts of oil price fluctuations on everyday life and livelihoods across the Philippines.
