Transport group PISTON protests against big-time fuel price hike

Transport group PISTON staged a rally along Commonwealth Avenue in Quezon City on Tuesday to protest against the huge increase in fuel pump prices this week. 

According to Allan Gatus’ report on Super Radyo dzBB, members of PISTON began to troop along a portion of Commonwealth Avenue near Philcoa past 7 a.m. to continue their protest against the fuel price hike effective Tuesday, June 24. 

PISTON president Mody Floranda reiterated their call for the junking of the oil deregulation law and for the suspension of value-added tax (VAT) and excise tax on petroleum products. 

Meanwhile, among the members joining the protest were public utility vehicle drivers and operators from Cubao, Bagong Silang, and Novaliches, James Agustin reported on Unang Balita. 

Floranda said the staggered implementation of the price hike is part of the “tactics” of the oil firms, adding its effect remains the same for motorists. He also said that the government subsidy for jeepney drivers will not be enough if the price increase continues. 

On Monday, various groups held protests against this week’s big-time oil price hike and urged the government to suspend the VAT and excise tax on petroleum products. They also

Oil firms earlier announced there will be another round of pump price hike this week after last week’s increase.

Chevron Philippines Inc. (Caltex), Petron Corp., Seaoil Philippines Corp., and Shell Pilipinas Corp. hiked the prices per liter of gasoline by P1.75, diesel by P2.60, and kerosene by P2.40 at 6 a.m. on Tuesday, June 24, 205.

They will implement the same changes at 6 a.m. on Thursday, June 26, reflecting the second tranche of adjustments after agreeing to the request of the Department of Energy (DOE) to implement the hikes on a staggered basis.

Cleanfuel implemented the same changes, excluding kerosene which it does not carry, at 8:01 a.m. on Tuesday, June 24.

Earlier, the DOE said firms agreed on a staggered pump price hike, in a bid to ease the burden of major adjustments.

The DOE’s Oil Industry Management Bureau (DOE-OIMB) earlier projected big-time increases this week, citing the conflict between Israel and Iran that threatens critical global shipping passage.

President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. earlier said fuel subsidies would be given amid the anticipated pump price hike. —Sundy Locus/KG, GMA Integrated News