Transport group to protest rising fuel prices

MANILA, Philippines — Transport group Pinagkaisang Samahan ng mga Tsuper at Operator Nationwide (PISTON) yesterday warned of more protest actions if the government will not institute measures to curb the rising cost of fuel.

PISTON secretary general Steve Ranjo said they will hold “larger protest actions” against the government and petroleum companies if no solutions are put in place to bring down prices of crude products.

Around 30 members of the transport group held a noise barrage in Quezon City to protest the latest oil price hike of more than P1.

Ranjo said drivers and operators could no longer cope with the cost of diesel, which now ranges from P44 to P45 per liter.

Instead of raising the base fare to P10 which is an additional burden to commuters, he urged the government to suspend the imposition of excise taxes on fuel as it would cut the price by at least P2.50 per liter.