OceanJet, one of the Philippines' major ferry operators, announced a 10% fuel surcharge on all passenger routes effective April 10, 2026, citing continuing increases in global fuel prices and compliance with Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) Advisory No. 2026-10.
The shipping company issued the advisory on April 8, 2026, informing passengers that the fare adjustment is temporary and will be lifted once fuel prices stabilize. The surcharge affects multiple routes across the Visayas region, including popular destinations such as Cebu, Tagbilaran, Dumaguete, Siquijor, Iloilo, and Bacolod.
"We understand that this adjustment may impact your travel plans, and we sincerely apologize for any inconvenience this may cause," OceanJet stated in their passenger advisory. "Rest assured that this increase is temporary and will be lifted once fuel prices stabilize."
Updated Fare Structure Across Nine Routes
The new fare structure will apply to nine major routes operated by OceanJet, affecting both tourist class and business class accommodations. The Cebu-Tagbilaran route, one of the busiest inter-island connections, will see fares increase to PHP 1,000 for tourist/open air accommodation and PHP 1,560 for business class.
Routes connecting to Siquijor Island will also experience significant fare adjustments. The Tagbilaran-Siquijor route will charge PHP 1,000 for tourist class and PHP 1,560 for business class, while the shorter Dumaguete-Siquijor connection will cost PHP 455 for tourist accommodation and PHP 754 for business class.
The Tagbilaran-Dumaguete route, which serves as a crucial link between Bohol and Negros Oriental, will implement fares of PHP 1,170 for tourist class and PHP 1,820 for business class under the new pricing structure.
Western Visayas and Leyte Routes Affected
Ferry services in Western Visayas will also see fare increases, with the Iloilo-Bacolod route charging PHP 700 for tourist class and PHP 1,000 for business class. This route serves as an important connection between Iloilo Province and Negros Occidental.
Multiple routes originating from Cebu will experience fare adjustments, including the Cebu-Getafe connection at PHP 585 for tourist class and PHP 1,040 for business class. The Cebu-Ormoc and Cebu-Maasin routes, both serving Leyte destinations, will charge PHP 1,430 for tourist accommodation and PHP 1,950 for business class.
The longest route affected by the surcharge, Maasin-Surigao, connecting Southern Leyte to Surigao del Norte, will cost PHP 1,040 for tourist class and PHP 1,560 for business class.
MARINA Advisory Drives Industry-Wide Changes
The fare adjustment comes in response to MARINA Advisory No. 2026-10, which appears to provide guidance for shipping companies dealing with rising operational costs due to global fuel price volatility. The advisory suggests that maritime authorities have recognized the financial pressures facing ferry operators and have provided a framework for implementing temporary surcharges.
Global fuel prices have experienced significant fluctuations in recent months, affecting transportation costs across various sectors. The maritime industry, heavily dependent on fuel for vessel operations, has been particularly impacted by these price increases.
OceanJet emphasized that the company "continues to carefully manage operations while maintaining our commitment to safe, efficient, and dependable sea travel services" despite the challenging economic conditions.
Impact on Inter-Island Travel Patterns
The 10% surcharge is expected to affect travel patterns across the Visayas region, particularly for budget-conscious passengers who frequently use ferry services for inter-island transportation. Tourist class passengers, who typically pay lower base fares, will see proportionally smaller absolute increases compared to business class travelers.
The timing of the fare increase, implemented during the post-Holy Week period when travel demand typically remains elevated, may influence passenger decisions regarding summer travel plans. Many Filipino families traditionally plan island-hopping trips during the summer months, making ferry services crucial for domestic tourism.
Small businesses and traders who rely on regular ferry connections for transporting goods between islands may also need to adjust their operational budgets to accommodate the higher transportation costs.
Communication and Customer Service Measures
OceanJet has directed passengers to seek information only through official channels, including their official Facebook page, ticketing offices, authorized agents, and customer service hotlines. This directive aims to prevent misinformation and ensure passengers receive accurate fare information.
The company concluded their advisory by thanking passengers for their "continued understanding and support" while encouraging travelers to "stay safe." The messaging reflects the shipping industry's efforts to maintain customer relationships despite necessary fare increases.
Industry Context and Previous Adjustments
The Philippine maritime industry has faced various challenges in recent years, including fluctuating fuel costs, maintenance requirements, and regulatory compliance. Ferry operators have occasionally implemented temporary surcharges during periods of significant cost increases, typically removing them when market conditions improve.
MARINA, as the primary regulatory body for the maritime industry, regularly issues advisories to provide guidance on operational matters, safety requirements, and pricing policies. Advisory No. 2026-10 appears to be part of the agency's efforts to help operators manage current economic pressures while maintaining service standards.
The temporary nature of the surcharge, as emphasized by OceanJet, suggests that the company and regulatory authorities view current fuel price increases as a short-term market condition rather than a permanent shift in operational costs.
Photo credit: Photo courtesy of OceanJet/Facebook