Fuel Crisis Creates Commuter Crush in the Philippines
Rising fuel prices in the Philippines, driven by a global energy crisis linked to the war in Iran, have led commuters to abandon personal vehicles for overcrowded public transportation. Commuters now face longer, more stressful journeys on trains and jeepneys, with many adjusting their schedules or living arrangements to cope. Despite the challenges, many express hope for a return to normalcy and highlight Filipino resilience.
- ▪The war in Iran has contributed to a global energy crisis, more than doubling fuel prices in the Philippines.
- ▪Commuters like Stella Kim and Stephen Emperado have switched from driving to using public transit, citing cost savings despite longer travel times.
- ▪Overcrowding on trains and jeepneys has made commuting physically and mentally taxing, prompting some to avoid rush hour or seek housing closer to work or school.
- ▪Kim’s new commute costs half as much as driving but adds 90 minutes to her day, often leaving her too exhausted to do anything after work.
- ▪Emperado finds it impossible to study during his commute due to overcrowding and brings an extra shirt to cope with the summer heat and physical strain.
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new video loaded: Fuel Crisis Creates Commuter Crush in the PhilippinestranscriptBacktranscriptFuel Crisis Creates Commuter Crush in the PhilippinesRising fuel prices in the Philippines have disrupted daily commutes, forcing people to ditch their cars for overcrowded trains and minibuses.Commuting in the Philippines has become extremely chaotic. “When you get on the train, you have to protect yourself so that you don’t get squeezed.” “We call it a sardine situation. It’s becoming unimaginable.” The war in Iran has created a global energy crisis, more than doubling the price at the pump in the Philippines. This has forced people to ditch their cars for public transportation, like trains and popular vehicles called jeepneys, that could typically hold about 20 people.
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