Fuel stations in Tagbilaran run out of diesel the day before price hikes

A gasoline station in Tagbilaran City, Bohol run out of diesel Monday due to price hikes. (Leo Udtohan/Inquirer Visayas)

TAGBILARAN CITY––Many gasoline stations in this city have run out of diesel as a steep increase in fuel prices took effect on Tuesday, March 8.

Gilbert Castaño, supervisor of Petron gasoline station in Barangay Cogon, said they ran out of diesel supply since Monday evening.

He said they had 6,000 liters of diesel, but drivers bought them ahead of the big-time oil price hike.

Diesel was at P57.65 per liter on Monday, but it rose to P63.50 on Tuesday. Gasoline was P68 per liter from P64.40.

Tricycle drivers were dismayed about the abrupt increase in fuel prices.

“I have no choice but to deal with the problem,” tricycle driver Mico Bucia said.

Bucia earned less than P500 a day during the pandemic, compared to the P800 to P1,000 a day before.

He said the continuous increase in fuel prices must lead to a hike in transport fares.

The minimum fare in Tagbilaran City is P10. However, many passengers have complained that tricycle drivers charge higher fares from P15 to P30.

Expensive gas prices are pushing people to reconsider their household budgets.

Arlene Pisquera, 46, said she needs to buy only essential items for her family.

“If I don’t have any concerns in the city, I just stay at home,” said Pisquera, who lives in Dauis town. When her husband, Cesar, goes to work in the city, she asks him to buy important goods.

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