CEBU CITY, PHILIPPINES — Several domestic shipping companies have announced fare adjustments through their respective Facebook pages, temporary fuel surcharges, and trip cancellations as rising global fuel prices—linked to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East—continue to affect operations across the country.
In separate advisories, shipping firms said the measures are necessary to offset increasing fuel costs while ensuring continued service and safe vessel operations.
Roble Shipping Inc. informed passengers that a temporary fuel surcharge will be imposed on all passage fares and freight rates beginning March 9, 2026.
“We would like to inform our valued passengers and Shippers that a Temporary Fuel Surcharge will be implemented on all Passage Fare and Freight Rates effective March 9, 2026,” the company said in its advisory.
The firm explained that the measure was prompted by higher global fuel prices. “This measure is necessary due to the recent increase in global fuel prices brought about by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. The surcharge will help us manage the rising fuel costs and ensure the continued operation of our vessels while maintaining safe and reliable service to the riding public,” the advisory stated.
Roble Shipping assured passengers that the fuel surcharge would only be temporary. “Please be assured that this fuel surcharge is temporary and will be lifted once fuel prices stabilize,” the company added.
Starlite Ferries Inc., for its part, also announced a partial increase in passenger fares and cargo rates. “On top of that, there is an abrupt high spike of fuel price that was implemented during the first week of this month and an impending big-time price hikes in the coming weeks due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East,” the company said in a notice.
“To sustain our operations and continuously serve the riding public and shippers, we are left with no other option but to implement a partial passenger fare and cargo rates increase of 25 percent effective March 10, 2026,” it added.
Another operator, Grand Ferries, announced a temporary fare adjustment for its SeaCat routes starting March 8. “Due to the recent increase in global fuel prices caused by the ongoing situation in the Middle East, there will be a temporary adjustment to our passenger fares on SeaCat routes,” the company said.
It also announced the temporary suspension of some routes, including Cebu–Catbalogan via Naval and Cebu–Baybay trips until further notice.
The company emphasized that the adjustments will only remain while fuel prices remain elevated. “We assure everyone that this adjustment is only temporary. Once fuel prices return to normal levels, our fares will also be reviewed and adjusted accordingly,” the advisory added.
Fast Cat management also announcing an updated fare matrix for both passengers and vehicles starting March 6. “At FastCat, our priority has always been to provide you with a Safe, Fast, and Convenient journey across the Philippine islands,” the company said.
“To maintain our high standards of vessel maintenance and passenger safety, we will be implementing an updated fare matrix for both passengers and vehicles effective as of March 06,2026,” it added.
The company said the adjustment comes after a significant rise in global fuel costs. “While we always strive to keep our services affordable, the recent 40% surge in global fuel costs—driven by the ongoing situation in the Middle East—has significantly impacted our operational expenses,” FastCat said.
Meanwhile, fast craft operator OceanJet announced the cancellation of several trips from March 6 to March 20 due to the ongoing fuel crisis affecting operations. Among the affected routes are Cebu–Palompon and Cebu–Getafe trips.
The company said passengers affected by the cancellations are entitled to full refunds or free rescheduling. “For affected passengers, you are entitled for full refund and no charge rescheduling. For immediate rebooking and refund, kindly process through our ticketing office,” OceanJet said.
Shipping Group raises diesel price concerns
The Philippine Coastwise Shipping Association (PCSA) has also raised concerns over what it described as an unusual increase in diesel prices at fuel depots, which are reportedly higher than retail pump prices at gasoline stations.
In an interview, a representative of the group said depot prices are normally cheaper than pump prices. “Usually mga among prices, ang mga depot prices namo…is always lower than the pump price sa retail gasoline. Kanang mga gas station ba? Usually 5 to 10 percent cheaper,” the representative said.
However, he noted that the situation has reversed in recent weeks. “Karoon ilang gi-himo, higher na noon mi, at least 10 percent po ang tawatwa. So unsa may tabo ani sir?” he added.
Because of this development, the group urged the Department of Energy to investigate the issue and determine whether some companies are taking advantage of current fuel pricing conditions.
The association said shipping operators may be forced to increase passenger fares and cargo rates by around 20 percent if fuel prices continue to rise. “I think by next week, sugod na,” he added.
The PCSA, formed in 2019 in Cebu, represents more than 50 shipping companies and over 700 vessels engaged in domestic shipping operations across the Philippines.
Amid the situation, the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) issued contingency measures regulating passenger fares and cargo freight rates during the ongoing Middle East crisis and rising fuel prices.
Under the advisory, shipping companies must submit their current base passenger and cargo rates as of February 28, 2026 to the concerned MARINA regional offices within three days.
MARINA said temporary adjustments, including fuel surcharges, may be allowed but must not exceed 20 percent of the base fare during the crisis period. Any increase beyond the limit will be subject to evaluation and approval by the agency.
Once the emergency situation ends, shipping companies are required to remove the fuel surcharge and restore fares and freight rates to their levels before the crisis
| Written by Mitchelle L. Palaubsanon
