THE idea of allowing Euro 2 fuel back into a market that has already transitioned to Euro 4 isn’t just a technical compromise — it’s a policy contradiction. And for the Truck Manufacturers Association of the Philippines (TMA), it’s a line that shouldn’t be crossed.

At first glance, the government’s move to temporarily allow Euro 2 fuel appears pragmatic. Faced with supply disruptions and rising fuel prices driven by global tensions, policymakers are looking for immediate relief. But here’s the problem: modern trucks are no longer built for yesterday’s fuel.