Petroleum traders back clamor for transport fare hike

The Independent Philippine Petroleum Companies Association (IPPCA) has expressed its support to the transport group’s clamor for a fare increase.

IPPCA is a group consisting of 12 companies engaged in the trading and retailing of fuel and other petroleum products.

IPPCA executive director Hector Fajardo said the group is sympathetic to the plight of the jeepney and bus drivers, noting that the skyrocketing cost of operations coupled with a freeze in fare hike for the past four years have been detrimental to the transport industry’s subsistence.

Fajardo said the IPPCA is urging the public to let free enterprise take its natural course as this will be more advantageous to businesses and the economy in general.

The IPPCA official said the association is committed to promote fair and market-oriented business practices that will be mutually beneficial to all players.

He said IPPCA realizes, though, that its stand runs contrary to public opinion that the burden falls on consumers when fare hikes are implemented.

Fajardo pointed out that a certain amount of centavos per kilometer increase will still be affordable to commuters that it will rarely cause a dent in their budget, whereas it would give public transport drivers enough leverage to offset the high cost of operations. – Donnabelle Gatdula