Summary
Highlights
Farmers in the Cordillera region are struggling with the high cost of fuel, which is significantly impacting their livelihood. Transporters fear that vegetable prices will inevitably increase in Metro Manila and other parts of the country due to their increased diesel expenses.
JR Gabol, a farmer, sold five tons of cabbage for only 5 pesos per kilo, which is insufficient to cover cultivation costs, trading post fees, and the five-hour travel expenses from Baoco, Mountain Province, due to the mega oil price hike. He, and possibly other farmers, might stop harvesting, as it's more financially viable than incurring further losses from transporting their produce.
While vegetable prices in La Trinidad are currently stable, a halt in farmer deliveries due to high fuel costs will lead to a supply shortage in markets and an increase in vegetable prices. For example, if cabbage sells for only 4 pesos, transportation costs become unsustainable.
Farmers use fuel not only for transport but also for essential farming activities like irrigation, as explained by Jona Kabaling from Buguias, Benguet. Without fuel, they cannot water their crops, affecting future yields. The provincial government is considering subsidies for vegetable farmers to offset fuel costs and ensure continued farming, harvesting, and delivery of produce.
Diesel prices in La Trinidad range from 85 to nearly 97 pesos per liter, with further increases expected. Remote areas in Benguet, near vegetable farms, also face high prices. One gas station in Buguias even closed due to a lack of supply.
The Local Government Unit (LGU) of Benguet is continuously monitoring gas stations to prevent excessive price hikes. Governor Dela Rosa stated that any proven violations would be reported to the DTI for appropriate action.