Group expects more increase in oil prices

LOCAL transport group Sentrong Samahan ng Tsuper at Operators-Negros (SSTONE) said they expect more fuel price increases following the latest imposed by oil companies this week.

Jessie Ortega, secretary general of SSTONE, said that European countries are already coping with the crisis that's why further increases in the prices of fuels could happen.

However, Ortega said that despite the increase, the transport sector is not yet inclined to take back the 50-centavo provisional fare rollback approved by the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) last month.

He said that they will just move for a fare increase if the price of diesel fuel reaches to P35 per liter.

Earlier, drivers and operators associations in Negros Occidental, including SSTONE, said they are closely monitoring the fuel price trend.

Federation of Bacolod City Drivers Association (Febacda) Elizabeth Katalbas said they are not yet thinking of taking back the 50-centavo fare reduction because the increase imposed by oil companies has no significant effect yet on the take-home pay of drivers.

Katalbas said at this point, some operators and drivers have not even secured the fare matrix released by the LTFRB.

She added that Febacda is in consensus with two other major transport groups, including SSTONE and United Negros Drivers and Operators Center (Undoc), to come up with a common stand on fares when the situation warrants.

The LTFRB also assured the transport sector that they will act on fare hike petitions if the prices of fuels continue to increase.

The 50-centavo fare rollback in Western Visayas took effect last month – from P7.50 to P7 for regular passengers.

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