More Ferry Operators Announce Fare Adjustments as Fuel Crisis Impacts Philippine Shipping

Commuters and travelers across the Philippines are facing a tougher time as ferry companies begin raising their prices. This is happening because the ongoing war in the Middle East is pushing global oil prices higher than they have been in a long time.

Since fuel is the biggest cost for running a ship, ferry owners say they have to charge more just to keep their vessels moving. Some routes are even being canceled because it has become too expensive to run the engines for every trip.

FastCat is one of the first major lines to change its rates, with new prices for passengers and vehicles starting March 6, 2026. The company explained that global fuel costs jumped by nearly 40 percent, making this price hike necessary to maintain their modern fleet.

In the coming days, Roble Shipping will also add a temporary “fuel fee” to their tickets starting March 9, 2026. They told the public that this extra charge is only for now and might be removed if oil prices ever go back down.

Adding to these changes, Jomalia Shipping Corporation has also announced a new 20 percent fuel surcharge starting March 9, 2026. This extra fee will apply to both regular passenger tickets and freight rates for shipping goods across their routes.

Jomalia’s management noted that this is a temporary move caused by the steady climb in global oil markets. Like other operators, they hope to lift the surcharge once fuel costs return to a level that is easier for the company to manage.

Travelers in the Visayas are feeling the pinch even more, as SeaCat has decided to stop several trips entirely. Routes like Cebu to Catbalogan and Cebu to Baybay are now on hold while the company tries to figure out how to handle the high costs.

Industry experts warn that the price of “marine fuel” has crossed a dangerous line, with global crude oil now over $90 per barrel. This means other popular lines like Montenegro and Starhorse are likely to follow with their own price increases very soon.

For now, the best thing to do is stay updated by checking the official Facebook pages of these shipping companies before you head to the pier. Expect to pay a bit more for your ticket and your cargo as the country deals with this global energy crisis.