Starhorse Shipping Lines announces fare Adjustment for Masbate trips

Rising global fuel prices linked to Middle East crisis prompt shipping company to implement updated passenger and cargo rates

Starhorse Shipping Lines Inc. has announced the implementation of a fare adjustment for trips between Masbate City and Lucena, Quezon, effective March 7, 2026. The company announced this decision due to the increasing costs of operation, as global fuel prices escalate.

Starhorse Shipping Lines explained in a public advisory that the fare adjustment, announced on June 2, 2025, will be implemented on March 7, 2026, after temporarily deferring the implementation of the fare adjustment. The company deferred the implementation of the fare adjustment at that time in consideration of the passengers and the riding public.

The company, however, explained that the crisis in the Middle East has continued to escalate, and as a result, global fuel prices are increasing. This is affecting the operation of the company, as fuel costs form a major portion of the expenses of operation for the company.

The company also explained that no subsidies are being provided by government agencies to cushion the impact of the increasing costs of operation. Because of this, the company has to implement the fare adjustment in order to continue with its operation.

The new passenger fares for trips to Masbate City are as follows:

• Regular Fare: ₱1,200.00
• Senior Citizen: ₱857.00
• Student Fare: ₱960.00
• Half Fare (Children): ₱600.00

Children between 0 to 2 years old are free of charge, while those 3 to 7 years old will enjoy a half fare. There are also discounts for senior citizens, students, and persons with disabilities with proper identification documents.

The company has also announced new cargo rate updates for vehicles that will travel to Masbate. The new cargo rate will depend on the type of vehicle, the length of the vehicle, and the 20 percent increase in the costs of shipping these vehicles.

The reason for making this decision, according to Starhorse Shipping Lines, is to sustain their operations. The maintenance of their schedules and provision of safe transport services remain their priority.

The shipping operator, however, also made it known that fare adjustments for other destinations will be made in the future, depending on their operational conditions and fuel price changes. Passengers and cargo clients are advised to watch out for announcements regarding fare adjustments and their schedules.

For more details, you may also visit the Starhorse Shipping Lines operator page, where their contact information is available.