Middle East Conflict Drives LPG Costs, Crushing Filipino Street Food Vendors

The ripple effects of the Middle East war are hitting the Philippines' streets, leaving small food vendors struggling. Soaring liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) prices—up nearly 85%—have forced many to raise prices or cut portions just to break even. Vendors like 20-year-old Eric Garcia, who cooks daily from dawn, say fuel costs are eating into already tight margins, slashing his daily income by a quarter. For others, even small price hikes risk alienating customers who are tightening their own belt