Some truckers have begun limiting their trips as soaring diesel prices make it harder to sustain operations, prompting a transport group to seek a 30% increase in trucking rates.
Alliance of Concerned Truck Owners and Organizations director Connie Tinio said many truck operators are opting not to travel because the high cost of fuel requires larger capital to complete a single trip.
“So, maraming mga trucker ngayon mas pinipili na lang na hindi magbiyahe kasi ang problema rin na isa, ‘yung kasing sobrang taas nung diesel, kailangan mo rin ng kapital na malaki,” she said in an interview on Super Radyo dzBB yesterday.
Tinio said some truckers are also having difficulty refueling, as certain gasoline stations have begun limiting diesel purchases.
“Pansamantala, nahihirapan ang mga truckers na makabiyahe kasi ‘yung mga gasolinahan ay nagli-limit na sila ng karga per truck. Parang 60 liters per truck na lang ang gusto nilang ikarga,” she said.
She added that the amount is not enough to complete a full delivery cycle.
Tinio said some truckers are experiencing what she described as fuel rationing, while others encounter cutoffs when purchasing diesel.
Because of the rising costs, the group has asked for an across-the-board 30% increase in trucking rates, though it remains unclear when such an adjustment could be approved.
Tinio noted that operating expenses rise beyond fuel costs whenever diesel prices increase.
The group also urged the Department of Energy (DOE) to monitor gasoline stations that may be restricting fuel supply.
The DOE Oil Industry Management Bureau earlier projected a minimum increase this week of P9 per liter for gasoline, P19 per liter for diesel, and P31 per liter for kerosene, citing continuing concerns over tensions in the Middle East.
The government is set to provide fuel subsidies for public transport operators, farmers, and fisherfolk, and offer free bus rides to help cushion the impact of higher fuel prices. (GMA Integrated News)
