The transport group in Negros Occidental under the United Drivers-Operators Center (UNDOC) and fast craft operators are pushing for increases in their respective fares after pump prices for diesel and gasoline rose to over P60 with the nearly P5 increase implemented by the fuel companies today, March 8.
In separate advisories, Shell, Caltex, Cleanfuel, Jetti, Sea Oil, and Petro Gazz announced that effective today they are implementing increase in gasoline prices by P3.60 per liter and P5.85 per liter for diesel.
Diego Malacad, the secretary general of UNDOC, said that they are planning to mount a 5-day transport strike before the month end as their appeal for fare increase remains pending.
Meanwhile, operators of fastcraft servicing the Bacolod-Iloilo route are also pushing for a P30 maximum fare hike to offset its operational expense brought by the increase in fuel prices.
According to Frank Carbon, president of the Metro Bacolod Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the increase may take effect either on Thursday or Friday once they secure an approval of Maritime Industry Authority. With the anticipated hike in the one-way fee, travelers should expect to spend about P500 to travel between Bacolod and Iloilo.
