Fuel price discount deal for PUV drivers signed

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Energy (DOE) yesterday signed separate agreements with oil firms to provide fuel discounts to drivers of public utility vehicles (PUVs).

The DOE entered into a deal with Petron Corp., Phoenix Petroleum Philippines Inc. and Pilipinas Shell Petroleum Corp. to cushion the impact of the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN) law, Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi said.

The move is part of the oil companies’ corporate social responsibility programs.

“It aims to mitigate the impact of TRAIN on transportation fares,” Cusi said.

The program will expand the oil firms’ existing discount programs for PUV drivers, which include the increase in the number of participating retail stations.

Under the agreement, Petron, Shell and Phoenix Petroleum will give PUVs at least P1 discount on fuel products per liter.

The oil companies will also provide a designated lane for PUVs.

 “We are hopeful that operators and drivers of PUVs will not seek fare hike that will burden the riding public,” Cusi said.

Emmanuel Erana, chief financial officer of Petron, said the PUV discount is available at 500 stations in Metro Manila and nearby provinces.

Petron has over 2,900 stations across the country.

“We will start giving the discount 10 days after the signing of the agreement,” Erana said.

Phoenix Petroleum will offer discounts in 150 out of 530 stations nationwide, vice president for external affairs Raymond Zorrilla said.

DOE assistant secretary Leonido Pulido said they were hoping that more oil players would give fuel discount to PUVs.

“It’s not limited to just three oil companies. They were the first to respond to our call,” he said.

“Chevron and other stakeholders are interested to join the program,” Pulido added.

Cusi said the TRAIN Law aims to raise funds to finance government infrastructure projects to uplift the lives of the people.

“Energy efficiency and these CSR schemes are being pursued by the DOE to maximize the benefit of having a higher take home pay for lower and middle class taxpayers,” he said.