Several truckers delivering goods in Butuan City have stopped operations temporarily due to the rising cost of fuel.

An owner of a hauling business and former Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) Federation president of the city, Rauzil Carampatana, said the high fuel prices forced drivers to suspend trips temporarily to manage costs.

“Masabtan ra pud ni namo kay halos tanan man pud nga gasoline station ug mga lumulupyo ang nagapahulay tungod ani nga pagpalabay sa krisis,” Carampatana said.

He added that the situation has a major impact on business operations.

Carampatana said instead of earning small profits, many truckers are saving money due to the increasing prices in crude oil, which makes it impossible to raise delivery fees without burdening clients.

“Imbes ang ginadaginot nato nga gamay nga ginansya ato na lang gyud siyang gina-save tungod kay sa pagsaka sa krudo, dili man pud pwede nga pasak-an pud ang atong presyo sa pag-deliver,” he added.

Some drivers have also chosen to endure the crisis, accepting that wages and earnings are not enough under the prevailing conditions.

“Dako og epekto kay pila ra pud ang sweldo sa trabaho, pila ra pud ang kita sa mga driver,” a driver said.

At some gas stations in the city, prices of petroleum products have skyrocketed from more than P70 to nearly P90 per liter.