MANILA, Philippines — A new national survey has revealed the staggering human cost of the ongoing energy crisis, showing that 4 out of 10 Filipinos are now struggling to afford basic necessities like food and medicine due to the “domino effect” of rising fuel prices.
The study, conducted by a leading private pollster, paints a grim picture of the country’s economic resilience as the “fuel shock” penetrates every sector of the Philippine economy, from transportation to the dining table.
The survey highlights that while the increase at the pump is visible, the primary burden for most Filipinos is the indirect inflation it triggers.
- Food Security: 42% of respondents reported reducing their daily food intake or switching to cheaper, less nutritious alternatives to compensate for higher transport and logistical costs of goods.
- Public Transport Woes: 38% of those surveyed said they have limited their travel, with some workers opting to walk long distances or skip work days because “the fare eats up the day’s earnings.”
- Utility Cuts: Nearly 30% of households admitted to falling behind on electricity and water bills as they prioritize fuel for livelihood (such as for tricycles, delivery bikes, or farm machinery).
The struggle is most pronounced in Visayas and Mindanao, where respondents cited a sharper increase in the price of basic commodities compared to Metro Manila. Experts attribute this to the higher cost of inter-island shipping, which is heavily dependent on diesel and bunker fuel.
Beyond the financial aspect, the survey measured “economic anxiety.” Over 65% of Filipinos expressed “extreme concern” about the future, with many fearing that a prolonged fuel crisis could lead to a recession similar to previous global oil shocks.
“What we are seeing is not just a transport problem, but a consumption crisis,” an economist noted in the report. “When 40% of your population is in ‘survival mode,’ the broader economic growth of the country is at a standstill.”
The release of the survey has sparked renewed calls for the government to take more aggressive measures beyond the current (and often delayed) subsidy programs. Proposed solutions from various sectors include:
- Suspension of Fuel Excise Tax: A growing number of legislators are pushing for a temporary suspension of the TRAIN Law’s fuel tax to provide immediate relief.
- Expanded Direct Cash Transfers: Moving beyond transport workers to include “near-poor” families heavily affected by food inflation.
- Strict Price Monitoring: Ensuring that traders do not use high fuel prices as an excuse for “excessive” markups on basic goods.
In the face of the shock, Filipinos are turning to traditional “diskarte” (resourcefulness). The survey noted a 20% increase in home gardening and a massive surge in “carpooling” and the use of bicycles in urban areas.
As the global oil market remains volatile, the findings serve as a stark reminder to policymakers that for millions of Filipinos, “fuel shock” isn’t just a headline—it’s a daily battle for survival.