A P20-per-liter reduction in diesel prices that took effect this week drew cautious praise from Naga City Mayor Leni Robredo, who called it a positive step while acknowledging it does little to reverse months of steep fuel cost increases.
Energy Secretary Sharon Garin confirmed the rollback after meeting with local oil companies on Sunday to finalize the adjustment. The price cut comes after diesel costs more than doubled since February.
Robredo warned that the reduction’s impact on the poorest communities hinges on whether it translates to lower food prices — and expressed concern that it may not be enough to prevent further increases in basic commodities.
“My wish is to have a continuing rollback on fuel prices so that the prices of basic commodities, especially food, will not go up,” she said. “If food prices increase, the poorest of the poor will be the first to suffer.”
The mayor said commuters and public transport drivers have absorbed much of the financial strain from the fuel spike and that the city government is looking at measures to prevent fare increases from adding to that burden.
“Our goal is to help stabilize fares so that the riding public will not be further burdened,” she said.
Robredo said local government assistance for drivers is also being prepared to supplement their income. Despite welcoming the rollback, she was direct in noting its limits.
“The rollback is a welcome relief, but it still does not offset the steep increases we have seen in recent months,” the mayor said.
She described the P20 cut as providing some ease, particularly for transport workers, while calling for rollbacks to continue beyond this week’s adjustment.
