World · Philippines Bureau
Filipino fisherfolk demand deeper, sustained fuel price cuts
A major fishing advocacy group says the latest oil price rollback falls short of compensating for mounting losses from weeks of successive fuel cost increases. Pamalakaya warned that fuel expenses have surged by more than P180 per fishing trip.
LSN Philippines ·
MANILA — Activist fishing organization Pambansang Lakas ng Kilusang Mamamalakaya ng Pilipinas (Pamalakaya) called Tuesday for more aggressive and sustained oil price reductions, arguing that recent relief measures do not adequately address the financial strain experienced by the country's fisherfolk.
The group said the latest fuel price rollback announced by oil companies fails to offset cumulative losses incurred after an extended period of consecutive price hikes. According to Pamalakaya, fuel costs have climbed by more than P180 per fishing trip, creating a significant burden on fishing operators who depend on fuel as a critical operational expense.
The call comes as the fishing industry continues to grapple with rising operational costs that directly impact the livelihoods of thousands of small-scale and commercial fishers across the Philippines. Pamalakaya emphasized that sporadic and insufficient price reductions provide only temporary relief without addressing the broader economic pressures facing the sector.
The group's statement underscores growing concerns within the fishing community about energy cost volatility and its cascading effects on seafood supply chains and market prices for consumers.