Traveling By Sea? Heads Up, Ferry Prices Are Also On the Rise

(SPOT.ph) Much of what we do is tied to the oil market—and that’s hardly an exaggeration. You can see it in the way prices are rising for almost everything these days (amid the ongoing unrest in the Middle East), especially in transport and, consequently, in travel. A slew of fuel price increases has already reared its ugly head in land and air transport, and surprise (or not),  it’s now spilling over to sea travel, with ferry prices starting to rise as well.

Here's what we know so far.

Also read: Fuel Surcharge Can Go Up to P787 for Local, P6,208 for International Flights in Early April

OceanJet, one of the country's fast craft and ferry operators, just announced a price increase affecting most of its Visayas and Mindanao fares effective March 23.

In a post on its social media pages, OceanJet announced a slew of "temporary fuel surcharge adjustments" due to the daily increase in fuel prices. According to the announcement, Oceanjet routes connecting islands such as Cebu, Bohol, Siquijor, Dumaguete, Bacolod, and Iloilo will see fares increase by roughly 20%.

• Cebu- Tagbilaran

  • Tourist/ Open Air Accommodation: from P800 to P960

  • Business Class: from P1,200 to P1,400

• Tagbilaran- Siquijor

  • Tourist/ Open Air Accommodation: from P800 to P960

  • Business Class: from P1,200 to P1,400

• Tagbilaran- Dumaguete

  • Tourist/ Open Air Accommodation: from P900 to P1,080

  • Business Class: from P1,400 to P1,680

• Dumaguete- Siquijor

  • Tourist/ Open Air Accommodation: from P350 to P420

  • Business Class: from P580 to P700

• Iloilo- Bacolod

  • Tourist/ Open Air Accommodation: from P550 to P650

  • Business Class: from P800 to P900

Naturally, the price increase has drawn flak from many regular travelers, especially from those who consider taking a fast craft as part of their daily or weekly commute. But if it's any consolation, OceanJet clarifies that the price increase is only temporary and will be lifted once fuel prices stabilize.

While OceanJet isn't the only fast-craft operator connecting Visayan and Mindanaoan islands, it's quite possible that other operators such as SuperCat, 2Go, and Montenegro Lines will soon follow suit.

Don't worry, Spotters, we'll keep an eye out for more updates. But for now, our best tip is to double-check your travel budgets and stay updated on the latest fares and schedule changes, especially with the upcoming peak travel period this Holy Week.

For more information, visit OceanJet's Facebook page.