Sakay Na Kung Kaya Mo! Cebu Ferry Fares Shoot Up as Oil Crisis Hits the Seas
Kung akala mo ang fuel crisis sa kalsada lang, think again. Cebu's shipping industry is now feeling the full brunt of skyrocketing global oil prices, with ferry operators slashing routes and jacking up fares across the Visayas.
Multiple shipping lines have been forced to act as fuel costs surged by a staggering 40 percent. OceanJet has cancelled key trips including the 10 a.m. Cebu-Palompon, Leyte route and the 6:45 p.m. Cebu-Getafe, Bohol service. Gabisan Shipping Lines has also downgraded to a limited weekly schedule between Cebu and Talibon, Bohol effective March 9.
Cokaliong Shipping Lines released updated fare matrices for Cebu-Surigao City trips: economy class now costs P1,584 for regular passengers, while tourist class is P1,872 and cabin beds P2,304. Suite rooms have climbed to P5,472 for two persons. Discounted rates for students start at P1,371, while seniors and PWDs pay P1,280 for economy.
Super Shuttle Ferry has implemented a 20 percent increase in both passenger fares and cargo rates. Roble Shipping Lines and Star Philippines Shipping Lines have also introduced temporary fuel surcharges. Down south, FastCat updated its fare matrix while Montenegro Shipping Lines announced revised charges for everything from motorcycles to heavy equipment on Dumaguete-Dapitan-Siquijor routes.
Industry officials are warning travelers to brace for even more schedule adjustments in the coming weeks as the Middle East conflict continues to rattle global oil markets. For island-hopping Filipinos who depend on ferries as their daily lifeline, the message is clear: prepare your budget and your patience.
Source: Daily Tribune
