BUS INDUSTRY ‘BLEEDING’ AMID SURGING FUEL COSTS

Victory Liner is urging the government to lift the suspension of an approved bus fare increase, warning that continued fuel price hikes are putting growing pressure on the company and the wider public transport industry.

The appeal comes after diesel prices rose by another ₱8.82 per liter on September 22, bringing the total diesel increase to ₱18.31 per liter in just three weeks.

Victory Liner said fuel now accounts for around 45% to 60% of its operating costs. The company also cited expenses for fleet modernization, loan payments, spare parts, tires, maintenance, insurance, tolls, taxes and labor as additional pressures on operations.

The company is not asking for government financial assistance. Instead, Victory Liner is calling for the implementation of the fare adjustment previously approved by the LTFRB in March 2026, which was suspended shortly afterward by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. over concerns about the impact on commuters.

The pressure has already affected Victory Liner's operations. On September 17, the company announced that it would consolidate selected trips when necessary because of rising fuel and operating costs. It also temporarily made its online booking facility unavailable while adjusting its schedules.

Victory Liner said every trip needs to remain financially sustainable to keep buses operating and jobs protected. The company also appealed for continued government support for the public transportation sector.

The latest fuel increases have intensified the debate over how to balance affordable fares for commuters with the rising cost of keeping bus services operational.