Transport groups on Friday asked the government to approve a P2 increase in the minimum fare nationwide amid soaring oil prices.

The appeal was forwarded by Liga ng Transportasyon at Operators sa Pilipinas, Pagkakaisa ng mga Tsuper at Operators Nationwide, Stop & Go Transport Coalition, and the Federation of Jeepney Operators and Drivers Association of the Philippines in a letter to the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) led by Chairman Teofilo Guadiz III.

“The immediate action and consideration of the good chairman of the LTFRB on this matter will go a long way in uplifting the economic conditions of the drivers and operators,” they said.

Oil prices have been going up for five weeks now.

On Tuesday, oil companies raised pump prices, ranging from P0.50 for gasoline to P4 for diesel. 

The transport groups also cited the rising cost of vehicle parts.

Last September, the LTFRB approved provisional fare increases for jeepneys, buses, taxis, and TNVS.

Traditional public utility jeepneys charge P12, while modern PUJs charge P14 for the first four kilometers of travel.

The LTFRB also allowed a P2 base fare increase for city and provincial buses for the first five kilometers and a P0.35 to P0.50 fare hike for each additional kilometer, depending on the type of bus.

Moreover, the flag-down rate for TNVS and taxis was increased by P5.