PMV operators in Madang demand increase in fares
PMV operators in Madang Province are demanding an increase in PMV fares to help cushion the hike in fuel prices.
The disappointed PMV owners congregated in front of the Police Traffic Office at Red Scar and verbally expressed their request for an increase in PMV fares on Wednesday
They said this is to compensate for the sharp increase in fuel prices.
Jackson Nelma, a PMV operator servicing Route 17A, on Madang's north coast, said that whilst they (PMV owners) understand the situation is the result of a bigger global issue, they are of the view that the Independent Consumer and Competition Commission or ICCC should also be mindful about the overall costs of running such businesses when adjusting PMV fares.
Nelma has also called on all PMV owners in Madang to cease operations for the time being until the situation improves.
He said, "The price hike is too much that we can't see ourselves continuing operations at this time."
The PMV owners were advised by Maskulan Gubag, an inspector with the Madang Provincial Lands Transport Board that ICCC has recently released the new PMV fares, however; the official gazette notices were yet to be distributed to the public.
Regarding requests for an increase in fares, Mr Gubag told them that ICCC is the only authorized government agency that sets PMV fares.
"We in the provinces are not responsible for setting PMV fares. That is the responsibility of the ICCC, and we are required to comply with whatever fares it has set.
"Otherwise, if you cannot afford to continue your operations during this time, you can ground your vehicles for the interim until the fuel crisis is over. We cannot set any fares apart from what ICCC has set as it would be deemed illegal," said Mr Gubag.
Meanwhile, Daniel Kombako, a vehicle owner in Madang Town, said the government should consider subsidizing fuel costs for all PMV owners in the country at this time.
He also said that the government must start thinking seriously about producing our own fuel.
"We can't continue to import fuel when we have our own crude oil that can be processed onshore. Or do we have to wait for situations like this to happen before we act. We cannot continue another day with the current fuel prices. It is killing us the small people," said Mr Kombako.
Provincial Police Commander, Superintendent Robert Baim said the increase in fuel prices will also affect policing duties, and he is calling upon all citizens to be vary of the situation and look after themselves.
"Fuel prices is a global crisis now, the situation is beyond our control, and the Land Transport Board must step in ASAP to advise PMV owners and all vehicle owners accordingly about the current hike in fuel prices on the global market," Baim said.
He also clarified that Traffic police do not control public transport fares.