MANILA, Philippines -- Provincial bus operators filed on Tuesday a petition for a fare increase due to the continued escalation of fuel prices.

The petition filed by Homer Mercado, president of the Provincial Bus Operations Association of the Philippines (PBOAP), with the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) office in Quezon City, asking for a P2.50 per kilometer fare for ordinary buses and a P3 per kilometer fare for air-conditioned carriers.

In a phone interview, Mercado said they last increased their fares in 2005.

Current provincial bus rates are P1.40 per kilometer for ordinary buses and P1.70 per kilometer for air-conditioned buses.

“Current diesel prices are pegged at P57.48 [a liter] and oil companies are saying that there is P8 more under recovery, so we’re looking at a P65 [per liter] diesel price,” Mercado said.

He also appealed to passengers to understand because, “Wala kaming magagawa kasi negative na talaga ang kita namin [There is nothing more we can do because our earnings are negative].”

Last July 8, the National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) and LTFRB approved a provisional fare increase for Metro Manila buses, putting the rates at P10 for the first five kilometers for ordinary buses plus an additional P0.20 for the succeeding kilometers, while air-conditioned buses increased their fares 20 percent.

Both agencies also granted a fare increase for jeepneys nationwide, pegging the rates at P8.50 for the first four kilometers and P1.50 for each succeeding kilometer.

Taxis have also been granted a P10 add-on to their meter fare. This will take effect on July 25.