The Confederation of Truckers Association of the Philippines (CTAP) said it plans to impose higher delivery fees to meet the increase in pump prices, resulting in higher prices of goods.

CTAP President Mary Zapata said their group will hold a general membership meeting on Wednesday to discuss the best possible rate adjustment.

“Ang number 1 consumption namin is diesel. Hihingi kami ng additional price, additional cost to recover yung aming additional expenses na yun… Hindi ka naman pwedeng magpakabayani the whole time na merong ganitong situation sa oil,” Zapata said.

She said their clients, importers and other industries like manufacturers, usually understand where they are coming from, and the need to raise trucking rates.

“Kung hindi makakapag-deliver ng kargamento sa kanila, of course, mas malaking damage. There will be a delay in production, suspension of labor, may mga artificial shortage ng anything, kaya yung mga importers at principal namin, they are quite open for an option favorable to truckers and themselves,” she added.

Meanwhile Zapata said they welcome any kind of assistance that the government will offer.

She said it’s also a good thing that oil companies agreed to implement a staggered increase in fuel prices.

“If we can have at least first P2, then another P1 and another P1, that would help very much. That would ease our cash position,” said Zapata.

The Department of Transportation (DOTr) assured that truckers will also benefit from the fuel subsidy program.