PHILIPPINE trucking operators are eyeing a fuel surcharge for implementation as early as next week after the recent spike in diesel prices.
“Our affiliate associations nationwide have already expressed their desire to impose a fuel surcharge depending on the prevailing diesel pump prices in their areas,” Confederation of Truckers Association of the Philippines (CTAP) president Ruperto Bayocot told PortCalls.
“The Cebu Truckers Association, Inc is planning to impose a 3% fuel surcharge. As for National Capital Region (NCR)-based truckers, the issue is tabled for discussion and possibly for approval when we meet on our first board meeting on January 11.”
An option eyed by CTAP members operating in and out of NCR is the use of the earlier CTAP published guideline rates as regular rates rather than adopting a fuel surcharge, which according to them would be costlier.
Other NCR-based trucking firms, including the Integrated North Harbor Truckers Association, have yet to express their desire to implement a fuel surcharge. Late last year INHTA had adopted a fuel surcharge and passed on to their clients increases in toll fees.
Diesel prices are currently around P44.50-P45.50 per liter within the NCR while the weekly posted price (WPP) of diesel — the index released by Shell as basis for any adjustment in trucking prices — is ordinarily P1 higher than pump prices.
Shipping lines led by members of the Philippine Liner Shipping Association are set to review their rates and may come up with a decision by end of the week. PLSA last increased their rates February 2011.
