Protesting transport groups snarl traffic at Monumento

Traffic at the Monumento area in northern Metro Manila was snarled before noon on Tuesday as militant transport groups staged a protest against fuel price hikes. Members of the Pinagkaisang Samahan ng Tsuper at Opereytor Nationwide (PISTON) occupied most of the Manila-bound part of Rizal Avenue, radio dzBB's Allan Gatus reported. Several motorists and commuters were inconvenienced due to the resulting traffic jam, even though traffic aides tried to manage the situation. PISTON secretary general George San Mateo said the protest stemmed from the latest round of fuel price hikes imposed by Shell and Chevron. The latest fuel price hikes included a 40-centavo-per-liter hike in kerosene; 50-centavo-per-liter hike in gasoline; and a 60-centavo-per-liter hike in diesel. He added this will be the first in a series of protest actions against the continued rise in fuel prices. - VVP, GMA News