Manila’s transport workers struggle to make ends meet as Philippines feels force of oil crisis

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The Philippines is uniquely exposed to the surging oil price caused by the war in the Middle East. The government is facing protests and widespread angerJayson Naga is a tricycle taxi driver on the streets of Manila. In a normal day he brings home P500 (US$8) to feed his four children. But these days he is struggling. He requires four litres of gasoline a day to ferry his passengers around the city and the 60% surge in fuel prices has wiped out nearly a third of his take home pay.“If gas prices go up any further, there will be nothing left for us,” he told the Guardian. His family’s only luxury – driving to air-conditioned malls on weekends to escape the heat – was the first to go. Continue reading...