Radio New Zealand - Te Reo Irirangi o Aotearoa

Papua New Guinea trucking operators say fuel prices could put them out of business

Posted at 22:10 on 28 December, 2007 UTC

Papua New Guinea trucking operators say the soaring price of fuel could put them out of business.

And the National Transport Association says if any operator is forced out it would greatly affect the freight of supplies into the Highlands and the national economy.

Association President, John Lacey, says there is already a big shortage of trucks operating between Lae and the Highlands and the country cannot afford to have more pulled off the road.

Mr Lacey says trucking companies intend passing on the increased cost to consumers and are appealing to the public for understanding.

He says they congratulate the Transport Minister Don Polye for trying to get the Government to subsidise the cost of fuel.