Truckers limit trips as diesel prices surge, seek 30% rate hike

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 on Wednesday.

(Many truckers now prefer not to travel because with diesel prices so high, you need a large amount of capital.)

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.

(For now, truckers are having difficulty making trips because gasoline stations are limiting the amount of fuel per truck to about 60 liters.)

She added that the amount is not enough to complete a full delivery cycle.

“‘Yun kasing 60 liters na ‘yan ay hindi sasapat sa isang cycle ng biyahe.”

(That 60 liters will not be enough for one 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 to monitor gasoline stations that may be restricting fuel supply.

“Ang panawagan namin sana bantayan nila ‘yung mga gas station na nang-iipit kasi nagsasamantala rin sila kasi inaantabayanan nila doon sa mataas na presyo, nagho-hoard sila, eh. Parang hoarding na, eh,” she said.

(We are appealing to authorities to monitor gas stations that may be restricting supply because they could be taking advantage of the situation by waiting for higher prices. It is like hoarding.)

The Department of Energy Oil Industry Management Bureau earlier projected a minimum increase this week of P9.00 per liter for gasoline, P19.00 per liter for diesel, and P31.00 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.

Ferdinand Marcos Jr. earlier said he is considering temporarily reducing or suspending fuel excise taxes to mitigate the impact of rising prices.

The Department of Finance has yet to release estimates on the possible foregone revenues.

Meanwhile, Donald Trump over the weekend said he is not interested in negotiating with Iran and that the conflict would only end once the country no longer has a functioning military or leadership, according to Reuters.—MCG, GMA Integrated News