The ongoing fuel crisis is beginning to take a visible toll on contractors and infrastructure projects across Eastern Visayas, with several construction firms suspending operations, placing workers on standby, and declining to bid for new government projects due to soaring costs.
Contractors say the surge in diesel and gasoline prices has dramatically increased the cost of operating heavy machinery and transporting materials, two of the most fuel-dependent aspects of infrastructure construction.
One contractor involved in several government projects in the region described the situation as crippling for companies working on tight budgets tied to fixed government contracts.
Asked how the crisis has affected his projects, the contractor said: “Dako an negative impact ha amon han crisis tungod nga haros tanan nga amon operations nagamit hin diesel ngan gas labi na para han amon heavy equipments ngan trucks.”
The contractor explained that fuel expenses now consume a far larger share of operational budgets than when many of the projects were originally priced during bidding.
As a result, several companies have been forced to slow down or temporarily halt activities to avoid operating at a loss.
Industry sources confirmed that some construction firms in Eastern Visayas have suspended operations entirely while waiting for fuel prices to stabilize. Others have begun reducing workforce hours or placing workers on temporary standby status in an effort to manage rising costs.
For many companies, the human impact of the crisis is becoming unavoidable.
“Ha pagka yana damo nga empliyado an stand-by anay mintras diri pa kami naka resume dara han duro nga ka hitaas han operation cost,” the contractor said, referring to employees who have been temporarily sidelined due to suspended construction activities.
Reliable sources within the regional construction sector also revealed that the situation is already affecting upcoming government infrastructure plans.
According to these sources, no contractors allegedly submitted bids for several infrastructure projects scheduled for 2026, largely because the rising cost of fuel and construction materials would likely push project expenses beyond the budgets allocated by the government.
The lack of bidders raises concerns about potential delays in infrastructure development across Eastern Visayas, where road construction, flood control systems, and public facilities remain key components of regional development programs.
Despite the growing pressure on contractors, sources say no fuel subsidy or cost-adjustment mechanism has been announced for ongoing government infrastructure project.
Contractors say such assistance could help offset fuel expenses and allow work to continue without severe financial losses.
Adding to the frustration, contractors claim there has been no official communication from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) outlining possible support measures or contingency plans to address the escalating operational costs.
Without clear guidance or financial relief, construction firms say they are left with few options other than suspending work, downsizing their workforce, or avoiding new government projects altogether.
Industry observers warn that if the fuel crisis persists without intervention, infrastructure progress in Eastern Visayas could slow significantly, affecting not only contractors but also thousands of construction workers whose livelihoods depend on the continuation of these projects.
“Makuri gad kay may trabaho kami pero guti la tam naha uli kay it gasolina hit motor tikadto ha site mamahal man. Makuri man umiwas kami kay dugang nga waray kami pan ngangaunon. Baga gad la kami hin na trabaho para saktuhay la maka sulod sulod ha trabaho,” Ruel, a construction worker, told OpinYon 8.
For now, many companies remain in a wait-and-see position, hoping for policy adjustments or price stabilization before committing to new infrastructure contracts.
(Photo Courtesy of ByaHero.Ph)
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