Petrol hikes spark criticism in the Philippines

Manila

AMID petrol hikes fuelled by the Russia-Ukraine conflict, the Philippines government has announced discount vouchers for agricultural workers and is looking at fuel subsidies for public transport drivers. But this may not suffice, say detractors, who are calling for changes to oil-related laws and taxes instead.

Drivers of jeepneys - the ubiquitous small buses that are a key part of urban public transportation - are among the most affected and vehemently critical of soaring oil prices.