PSA Intelligence Reports

Fuel-Driven Transport Strikes Cause Extended Travel Times, Increased Passenger Volume in Mass Public Transport Systems

Transport unions conducted strikes in late March 2026 to protest soaring fuel costs caused by the Middle East conflict. While nonviolent, the strikes caused significant travel delays and reduced vehicle availability across Metro Manila and key provincial urban hubs.

Transportation

Minor traffic and travel disruptions in Metro Manila and some provinces have been observed as several transport unions led by PISTON, MANIBELA and civil society groups implemented back-to-back transportation strikes on March 19-20 and 26-27, 2026. These were initiated as fuel prices in the Philippines nearly doubled following the Middle East conflict. 

As of Tuesday, March 31, fuel prices have gone up as follows since February 24:

The Philippine National Police (PNP) reported that the transport strikes were generally nonviolent, with no untoward incidents reported from related activities. Heavier traffic was reported near gatherings held at Welcome Rotonda in Quezon City, Mendiola Street in Manila City, and in pocket rallies elsewhere in Metro Manila.

Travel disruptions during these strikes manifested mostly in the form of extended travel times, longer lead times between public utility vehicles (PUV), and increased passenger volume in public transit systems. Public transport ridership also reportedly increased during this period as more private car users opted to take public transport instead. PSA Intelligence did not observe or receive reports of a complete shutdown of specific public transportation routes during the strikes.

While a comprehensive list of routes and trips affected by the strike is unavailable, PSA Intelligence’s sources observed an overall decrease in available public transportation across and within most cities in Metro Manila, and notably along major thoroughfares like Commonwealth Avenue and Shaw Boulevard. Elsewhere, a reduced number of PUVs was also observed in Metro Manila’s neighboring provinces like Cavite and Laguna, and other urban hubs like Baguio City, Cebu City, and Cagayan de Oro City.

PHOTOS: Stranded commuters walk along Commonwealth Avenue during a nationwide transport strike on March 26, 2026, while others wait for rides along Philcoa in Quezon City, and passengers remain stranded amid disruptions. Photos by Edd Castro/Manila Standard; Michael Varcas/The Philippine STAR; and MANIBELA, 2026.

PSA Intelligence expects a reduced volume of available road public transportation even after organized transport strikes. Diesel-reliant PUVs such as jeepneys and buses have been cutting down on the number of trips to manage high fuel costs, while some PUV drivers have been suspending trips altogether at least for one day to queue for government subsidies where available.

As fuel prices continue to surge, concerned groups are expected to forward their calls for relief measures through more transportation strikes and holidays. Transportation groups are pushing for the complete removal of excise tax and value-added tax (VAT) on fuel products, rollback of fuel prices to at least PHP 55 (USD 0.91) per liter, and the abolition of the oil deregulation law, among other sectoral advocacies. The last time that the transport groups staged consecutive transportation strikes was between 2023 and 2024, protesting against the government's PUV modernization program.