Philippines rolls out P12/liter fuel discount for jeepneys, UV Express, with some drivers saving up to P17/liter

Abi Sarabia M., Philippine Canadian Inquirer
August 17, 2026

Photo courtesy: Philippine News Agency

The Philippine government began implementing an increased fuel discount program for public utility jeepneys and UV Express units on Saturday, August 15, with transport officials saying some drivers could see combined savings of up to P17 per liter when gas station loyalty promotions are factored in.

The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) said it has instructed all its regional offices to monitor the rollout and report on the status of the program in their areas.

“The instruction is for all of us in the LTFRB to be responsive in immediately addressing whatever concerns that may come in the implementation,” said LTFRB chairman Vigor D. Mendoza II.

Faster payments to gas stations

Mendoza said the agency is prioritizing documentary requirements so participating gas stations are reimbursed without delay.

“We are now preparing the credit memos so we can pay gas stations without delay,” he said.

The renewed discount follows an earlier announcement from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., who increased the subsidy from P10 to P12 per liter for jeepneys and UV Express units, two of the most widely used forms of public transportation in the country.

Additional savings through loyalty promotions

During a visit to gas stations in Metro Manila on Saturday, Mendoza said jeepney drivers told him some stations were also offering additional discounts through loyal customer promotions, on top of the government subsidy.

According to Mendoza, these loyalty programs offer discounts of up to P5 per liter, meaning jeepney and UV Express operators who qualify for both programs could receive combined discounts of as much as P17 per liter.

At the stations visited, pump prices ranged from P81 to P89 per liter. With the government subsidy and loyalty discount combined, Mendoza said drivers could pay between P64 and P72 per liter.

Scale of the program

More than 143,000 jeepney and UV Express units are already enrolled in the fuel discount program, which is being offered at more than 5,000 gas stations nationwide, according to the LTFRB.

Under the program’s guidelines, each operator can avail of a discount on a maximum of 150 liters of fuel per week, translating to potential savings of around P1,800 weekly.

Drivers do not need to submit separate paperwork at the pump. Presenting a vehicle’s license plate is enough for the discount to be applied automatically at checkout.

The LTFRB has not indicated when the credit memo processing for gas stations is expected to be completed, though Mendoza said the agency is treating the matter with urgency as the expanded subsidy takes effect nationwide.