Manila: The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) is recommending the suspension of logistics handling costs and toll fees for delivery vehicles transporting basic and prime commodities to help cushion price hikes amid rising oil prices caused by the Middle East conflict. During a Senate hearing on Wednesday, Trade Secretary Ma. Cristina Roque stated that the agency is scheduled to meet with 30 logistics firms to discuss measures to keep prices low amid ongoing fuel price developments.
According to Philippines News Agency, among the proposals, Roque mentioned the suspension of government shares on port and cargo handling fees collected by the Philippine Ports Authority, Cebu Ports Authority, and the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority. She also recommended a temporary moratorium on toll fees for cargo and delivery vehicles carrying basic and prime goods on major expressways.
Roque emphasized that the DTI will not hesitate to take action against profiteers, stating, "On enforcement, we will not hesitate to prosecute the profiteers." She added that the DTI is closely coordinating with manufacturers and retailers to ensure that prices remain low for the time being.
Roque assured that the supply of basic and prime commodities is expected to last for the next two months and highlighted the role of DTI's 18 regional offices in monitoring daily price developments. The National Price Coordinating Council is set to meet on March 13 to discuss Price Act measures aimed at alleviating the impact of the oil price surge.
Roque acknowledged, "On the supply and logistics, we acknowledge that the prices actually will increase, not because of the product itself, but because of the cost of logistics."