EDSA vehicle volume decreases as fuel prices continue to soar

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) said that vehicle volume along EDSA has reduced due to rising fuel prices. The agency added that vehicles plying EDSA are lower than the average daily volume as compared to before the COVID-19 pandemic happened. 

MMDA says there are fewer cars on EDSA due to rising fuel prices [Photo: patrickroque01]

As fuel prices go up, fewer vehicles are traversing EDSA, according to the MMDA’s data. In a report by GMA News, the agency estimated that around 392,000 vehicles drove through EDSA on June 9, 2022. The said number is lower compared to the 417,000 vehicles that traversed EDSA on May 5.

Looking at the numbers, the vehicle volume on EDSA went down by almost six percent. MMDA chairman Romando Artes believes that the reduced vehicle volume on EDSA is due to the rising fuel prices. Artes added that some vehicle owners opt to take public transportation instead of using their personal cars.  

The estimated 392,000 vehicles that traversed EDSA on June 9 are also lower compared to the volume during the pre-pandemic. The MMDA previously said that vehicle volume along EDSA during the pre-pandemic is 405,882. As such, the MMDA’s data suggest that vehicle volume on EDSA is currently 3.5 percent fewer than the pre-pandemic daily average.    

MMDA's previous data on EDSA vehicle volume

Moreover, the vehicle volume on EDSA last June 9, 2022 is close to what the MMDA recorded last October 7, 2021, which was 390,238. Of note, the National Capital Region is under Alert Level 4 COVID-19 status last October 7, 2021. 

Speaking of fuel prices, oil companies are implementing another price hike for both diesel and gasoline this week. Diesel prices go up by Php 4.38 per liter, which marks the third consecutive price increase. In fact, diesel prices soar by more than Php 6 per liter last June 7. On the other hand, gasoline prices get Php 2.30 per liter increase this week.

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