Despite the spate of oil price increases in the country lately, none of the transport organizations in Western Visayas have petitioned for a fare hike yet, Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board Region 6 Director, Romulo Bernardes, said yesterday.

Bernardes, however, said that if oil companies in the Philippines continue to increase their fuel rates, it will not be surprising if transport groups will seek a fare hike, too.

On Tuesday, Petron Corp., Pilipinas Shell and PTT Philippines implemented an increase of 35 centavos for every liter for gasoline products and 25 centavos for diesel.

This is already the second wave of oil price hikes after most oil campaniles pumped up prices for gasoline by 45 centavo per liter, 60 centavo per liter for diesel and 50 centavo per liter for kerosene.

Seaoil Philippines Incorporated announced that it increased prices for gasoline at 35 centavos for every liter and 25 centavo per liter of diesel at 12 a.m. today.

With the successive oil price hikes, United Negros Drivers and Operators Center Secretary General Diego Malacad said, they are gearing for a Visayas-wide transport strike, which he said may be supported by operators by fast-craft companies plying Panay and Negros Occidental.

Bernardes said that it is the right of the transport groups to protest against oil price hikes but added that, hopefully, they will consider their decision as this will cripple public transport services.*APN

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