By Pat Jared V. Pangantihon
Correspondent
THE second fuel price hike on Monday had motorists groaning at the added burden to their budget, with public utility vehicle drivers feeling the brunt the most.
Caltex, Cleanfuel, Petro Gazz, PTT Philippines, Seaoil, and Shell have raised diesel prices by P1.50 per liter and gasoline by P1.80 per liter. This is the third week that prices have gone up by more than P1 per liter. Local players have increased fuel prices for eight weeks in a row now.
“Lisud na kaayo ni para sa amo, labaw na tag tulo ra ang pwede namo ma karga na pasahero,” said Florderico Pedimonte, a long-time motorela driver.
In a surprise twist, even a trisikad driver has a grievance about the fuel price increases.
“Joker paminawon sir, pero kung mo taas presyo sa tubil, ma apektohan mi mga sikad driver kay mang mahal man pud ang palaliton,” Pablito Cuerquiz said.
Local prices of diesel have increased by P8.65, gasoline by P7.20, and kerosene by P8.05 since August.
Excluding this week, the net increase of fuels since January are gasoline P17.85; diesel P16.50; and kerosene P14.19 per liter.
DOE Assistant Secretary Gerardo Erguiza Jr. has been quoted as saying that the oil price hike is mostly affecting the transport sector and has minimal impact on power rates.
