Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, March 6) — The fuel subsidy for farmers and fishers may be distributed by the last week of March or early April, the Department of Agriculture said on Sunday.

According to Agriculture Assistant Secretary Noel Reyes, 162,000 corn farmers and fishers will benefit from the ₱500-million subsidy. Each beneficiary will receive ₱ 3,000 and it will be distributed via debit card.

The DA’s statement comes as a big-time fuel price hike is expected to happen next week, with Unioil Petroleum Philippines saying diesel price may go up by ₱5.40 to ₱5.50 per liter and gasoline price may increase by ₱3.40 to ₱3.50 per liter from March 8 to 14.

In February, Agriculture Secretary William Dar said the guidelines for the distribution of the fuel subsidy were “ready” but the funds could not be disbursed yet.

“Itong pamimigay ng fuel subsidy ay may trigger mechanism bago ibigay, dapat ma-reach ‘yung gasoline price na $80 per barrel. Wala pa tayo diyan,” Dar said at a virtual briefing.

[Translation: The fuel subsidy distribution has a trigger mechanism. Before it is released, the gasoline price must reach $80 per barrel.]

The Department of Energy has assured that the armed conflict between Ukraine and Russia would have no direct effect on the country.

SOURCE: https://www.cnnphilippines.com/