Monday, 28 September 2026 · Daily Market Intel

Market IntelMon, 28 Sept

Manila commuters now pay US$0.27 a modern-jeepney ride, up 13%.

Commute costs focus · flood credit · positive-sum

Your costs
- Should a Manila shop raise staff transport pay? Modern jeepney fares rose 13% today, to US$0.27 — Philstar
  From 28 September, the first 4km on a modern jeepney costs US$0.27, up from US$0.24; traditional jeepneys rise to US$0.22 from US$0.21. The transport regulator approved the rises earlier, then held them back.
  Positive-sum angle: Drivers and operators recover part of a fuel bill they carried alone, which keeps routes running for the shops, clinics and eateries whose staff and customers ride them. Operators who can cover diesel keep their franchises, and riders keep a route.
  What's the impact: A Manila employer with ten staff riding modern jeepneys pays about US$14 (₱880) more a month if it covers the rise, at two rides a day for 22 working days. Budget it into October payroll.
The tool
- Can a flooded Bangkok stall restock this week? Thailand's state savings bank lends US$1,500, three months interest-free — Nation Thailand
  Government Savings Bank, Thailand's state-owned savings bank, offers disaster loans of up to US$1,500 per borrower in declared flood zones: 0% for three months, then 0.50% a month flat, repaid over up to 60 months.
  Positive-sum angle: Cheap restocking credit gets stalls selling again sooner, which keeps their suppliers paid and their lane fed. Existing borrowers also get a three-month pause on principal with no interest, so one flood week stays a cash-flow problem.
  What's the impact: A Bangkok or Samut Prakan (the province just south of the capital) vendor should borrow only what restocks the stall, up to US$1,500 (฿50,000), and apply at a branch or on 1115 now. Flat means 6% a year charged on the full sum, even as it shrinks.

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