THE United Negros Drivers and Operators Center Inc. (Undoc) said Monday it's the right time for the LTFRB to issue an order imposing a P7 minimum fare in the region.

Undoc officer also said the uncontrollable price increase on gasoline and crude products is killing the transport sector.

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In a texted message by Undoc secretary-general Jessie Ortega to Sun.Star Bacolod Monday, he said: "We believe that this is the right time for a fare hike since the 50-cent fare reduction is only provisional."

The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) had imposed a P6.50 regular fare on all public utility jeepneys (PUJ) around Western Visayas (Region 6) early this year following late last year's big downfall on crude and gas prices at the world market.

But Ortega said LTFRB must take a look at the real picture of how the prices of crude and gasoline products soared the last few months.

This as even the government warned that sanctions will be imposed on petroleum product dealers and suppliers caught implementing unauthorized price hikes.

"We want LTFRB to impose back the P7 minimum fare," stressed Ortega. "We are not asking for a fare hike; just bring back the P7 fare level."

Ortega added they will also ask the LTFRB to order a P6 minimum fare on students. "We are not demanding more than what we need. What we want is a balanced regulation that if prices of crude products rise up, then somehow they (LTFRB) should also feel the drivers and operators' burden."

The LTFRB earlier rejected the plea of several transport groups for a provisional 50-centavo fare hike, although the department said they are still considering the request.