Starting on Jan. 25, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) has allowed fuel delivery trucks to use Edsa but only between midnight and 4 a.m.
MMDA officer in charge and general manager Tim Orbos said on Wednesday that the move was the result of a meeting with Petroleum Industry of the Philippines officials who asked for the exemption to ensure an adequate supply of aviation fuel.
According to Orbos, fuel depots at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport can just accommodate two days’ worth of aviation fuel, hence the need for constant refilling to meet the requirements of passenger and cargo airlines.
“These fuel delivery trucks are a special exemption because they are essential and vital to our growing transportation sector, tourism and the economy,” Orbos said. The exemption also covers deliveries made to gas stations located on Edsa to help maintain adequate gas supply.
Due to a total truck ban on Edsa from Magallanes to North Avenue, trucks must use alternate routes to reach their destinations.—JOVIC YEE