The Department of Energy (DOE) said the government has expanded nationwide access to its fuel subsidy program by allowing all liquid fuel retail outlets (LFROs) to participate, widening the network available to public utility jeepney and UV Express drivers amid elevated global oil prices.

In a statement issued Tuesday, the DOE said at least 938 fuel stations nationwide were already fully operational under the Fuel Subsidy Program (FSP) as of May 18, with 616 stations in Luzon, 172 in the Visayas, and 150 in Mindanao.

The expansion forms part of the government’s Unified Package for Livelihoods, Industry, Food, and Transport (UPLIFT) Program, which was rolled out following the declaration of a State of National Energy Emergency under Executive Order No. 110. 

Eligible drivers may receive up to PHP 1,500 per vehicle per week for three months through the subsidy scheme.

Energy Secretary Sharon S. Garin said the broader fuel station network is intended to improve accessibility for transport workers who rely on daily fuel purchases for their livelihood.

“Every driver who depends on the road to earn a living deserves a fuel station nearby that can serve them under this program. Under the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., we are working hard to make sure that happens,” Garin said.

The DOE said the move effectively opens the subsidy program to participating stations across major fuel brands and independent retailers nationwide, expanding redemption points for beneficiaries as fuel price volatility continues to affect transport operators.

The agency also reminded participating fuel stations to comply with operational and technical requirements, including enrollment procedures, transaction processing, installation of required systems and signages, and the designation of dedicated FSP lanes for qualified beneficiaries. Non-compliant stations may face suspension or cancellation of their certificates of compliance, the DOE said.

Drivers and commuters may access the updated list of participating fuel stations through the official DOE website, which the agency said will be continuously refreshed as more outlets are onboarded into the program.

“As we continue to grow this network, our focus remains on the drivers — making sure that the fuel assistance they are entitled to is easy to access, efficiently delivered, and reaches the right hands,” Garin said.

How do you see the expanded fuel subsidy network affecting transport operators, fuel retailers, and the broader downstream oil sector in the months ahead?

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