Manila, March 11 -- The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) is recommending the suspension of logistics handling costs and toll fees for delivery vehicles transporting basic and prime commodities to help cushion price hikes amid rising oil prices caused by the Middle East conflict.

During a Senate hearing on Wednesday, Trade Secretary Ma. Cristina Roque said the agency is scheduled to meet with 30 logistics firms to discuss measures to keep prices low amid ongoing fuel price developments.

Among the proposals, Roque said, is the suspension of government shares on port and cargo handling fees collected by the Philippine Ports Authority, Cebu Ports Authority, and the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority.

She also recommended a temporary mo...