PISTON sets September 29-30 nationwide transport strike over fuel price hikes

ASM, Philippine Canadian Inquirer
September 23, 2026

Photo courtesy: TripZilla Philippines

MANILA, Philippines — Transport group PISTON will hold a two-day nationwide transport strike on September 29 and 30 to protest sharp increases in fuel prices and press the government to act on long-standing calls for higher public transport fares.

PISTON President Mody Floranda said the group expects around 70,000 drivers and operators to participate in the strike. Labor and urban poor groups are also expected to join the protest.

The planned strike comes as motorists face another round of major pump price increases. Effective September 22, Shell Pilipinas raised gasoline prices by P4.80 per liter, diesel by P7.80, and kerosene by P6.40. Diesel was scheduled for another P1-per-liter increase on Sept. 23.

PISTON said the continued increases have further squeezed the earnings of public utility drivers. The group has also renewed its calls for government action on fuel taxes and pending fare adjustments.

The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board earlier said it would reassess pending petitions seeking an increase in the minimum jeepney fare. Among those before the agency is a petition from PISTON for a higher fare. The current minimum fare for traditional public utility jeepneys is P13.

Malacañang, meanwhile, said it would not prevent the group from proceeding with the strike.

“Hindi po natin sila mapipigil,” Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said during a briefing.

Castro also said the government does not control the conflict in the Middle East, which officials have cited as a major factor behind the surge in international oil prices and its impact on domestic fuel costs.

The Department of Energy has likewise attributed recent pump price increases to continued tensions in the Middle East. Earlier this month, the agency certified that the one-month average price of Dubai crude had reached $99.41 per barrel, exceeding the $80 threshold under Philippine law for the government to consider reducing or suspending excise taxes on certain petroleum products.

Castro said the Marcos administration is instead focusing on measures it can undertake to assist drivers, operators and commuters.

“Hindi po talaga natin kontrolado ang nangyayari sa Middle East,” Castro said, adding that the administration can act on how it assists Filipinos affected by higher fuel prices.

Malacañang said President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is seeking a balance between providing relief to the transport sector and avoiding additional costs for commuters. The government is studying assistance for drivers and operators while discussions on fare adjustments continue.

PISTON said the September 29 and 30 strike will proceed as it continues to press for government action on rising transport operating costs.