Jeepney Driver's Daily Struggle as Fuel Costs Double in Lapu-Lapu City
Before dawn breaks, the engine of Joel Dela Cruz, 55, roars to life, but his mind is louder with worry as he navigates the roads of Lapu-Lapu City. Each day, his earnings shrink due to the relentless surge in fuel prices, turning his two-decade career as a jeepney driver into a financial battle for survival.
Financial Strain from Skyrocketing Fuel Expenses
Dela Cruz revealed to SunStar Cebu on Monday, March 30, 2026, that a full tank of fuel, once costing only P1,500, now exceeds P3,000—doubling his daily operational expenses. This sharp increase has directly impacted his take-home pay, which has dwindled from a minimum of P800 per day to a mere P300 to P500 on average days. For Dela Cruz, every peso spent on fuel is a peso less for his family's basic needs, forcing him to scrutinize his vehicle meticulously to minimize costs.
Personal and Family Challenges Amid Economic Hardship
The financial difficulties at home are compounded by Dela Cruz's responsibilities. He supports two children, one attending a private college and the other in Grade 4, making education expenses a significant burden. Additionally, he manages mild diabetes, requiring regular medication for maintenance. To cope, Dela Cruz has adjusted his lifestyle, often eating only vegetables or whatever is affordable to stretch his limited budget. He expressed frustration that fare rates remain unchanged despite the rising fuel costs, with no new "fare matrix" in sight to alleviate the pressure on drivers.
Call for Government Intervention and Community Support
Despite the challenges, Dela Cruz continues to operate honestly and lawfully, striving to earn a decent livelihood. He has appealed to the Lapu-Lapu City Government for assistance, urging officials to help reduce the hardships faced by him and fellow drivers struggling against escalating commodity prices. His story highlights a broader transportation crisis affecting many in the community, where traditional livelihoods are threatened by economic shifts.
As fuel prices show no signs of abating, drivers like Dela Cruz remain resilient, yet desperate for solutions that can restore their financial stability and ensure their families' well-being in these trying times.
