Cebu City Commuters Face Disruption as Transport Strike Hits Amid Fuel Price Surge
In the early hours of Friday, March 27, 2026, before sunrise, commuters in Cebu City felt the immediate effects of escalating fuel prices and a coordinated nationwide transport strike. The strike, organized by various transport groups, led to widespread disruptions across the city's public transportation system, highlighting growing economic pressures on drivers and operators.
Long Lines and Light Traffic Mark Morning Commute
Around 7:15 a.m., significant queues formed at the Parkmall Terminal in Mandaue City, as many drivers opted not to work in solidarity with the strike. Commuters were left waiting in long lines, struggling to find available rides. An hour later, the impact spread to Cebu City's main thoroughfares, including Fuente Osmeña Circle, Osmeña Blvd., Gen. Maxilom Ave., and B. Rodriguez St. Traffic was unusually light in these areas due to a sharp reduction in the number of jeepneys operating their regular routes.
Protesters Condemn Oil Price Hikes and Economic Hardship
Members of Pinagkaisang Samahan ng mga Tsuper at Operator Nationwide (Piston), along with activists, gathered on Osmeña Blvd. to stage a protest. They vocally condemned the recent oil price hikes, arguing that their earnings were insufficient to support their families. Drivers expressed frustration over the financial strain caused by rising global oil prices, which have been exacerbated by the ongoing US-Israel-Iran conflict.
Earlier Actions and Demands from Transport Groups
This protest followed earlier actions by transport groups. On March 23, activists and transport organizations staged a noise barrage at a gasoline station along B. Rodriguez St., protesting the impending fuel price increase. That same day, groups including Partidong Manggagawa, the National Confederation of Transport Workers Union, the National Federation of Transport Cooperatives, and TNVS riders assembled in front of the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) 7 office. They met with LTFRB 7 Director Abosamen Matuan, reiterating that their income could no longer sustain their families.
Earlier in the week, on March 19, members of Piston Cebu marched from MJ Cuenco Ave. to Osmeña Blvd., demanding a P5 fare increase and the removal of excise and value-added taxes on oil. These demands underscore the broader economic challenges faced by the transport sector, as they seek relief from mounting financial burdens.
The strike and protests reflect a deepening crisis in the transportation industry, with commuters caught in the crossfire of economic policies and global market dynamics. As fuel prices continue to climb, the situation in Cebu City serves as a microcosm of nationwide struggles, prompting calls for government intervention and sustainable solutions.
