Major Philippine ferry operator OceanJet has implemented a temporary 10% surcharge across all passenger routes beginning April 10, 2026, responding to persistent global fuel price increases and following guidance from Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) Advisory No. 2026-10.
The ferry company released its passenger notification on April 8, 2026, emphasizing the temporary nature of the fare adjustment and promising to remove the surcharge when fuel market conditions stabilize. The pricing changes impact numerous Visayas destinations, including key ports in Cebu, Tagbilaran, Dumaguete, Siquijor, Iloilo, and Bacolod.
Comprehensive Route Coverage Under New Pricing
Nine primary routes operated by OceanJet will operate under the revised fare structure, affecting passengers in both tourist and business class categories. The heavily traveled Cebu-Tagbilaran connection will implement new rates of PHP 1,000 for tourist/open air seating and PHP 1,560 for business class accommodations.
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Island destinations popular with tourists face notable fare adjustments under the new structure. Passengers traveling the Tagbilaran-Siquijor route will pay PHP 1,000 for tourist class and PHP 1,560 for business class, while the Dumaguete-Siquijor service will cost PHP 455 for tourist seating and PHP 754 for business class.
The critical Tagbilaran-Dumaguete connection, linking Bohol with Negros Oriental, will charge PHP 1,170 for tourist class passengers and PHP 1,820 for those selecting business class under the updated pricing framework.
Regulatory Framework Supports Fare Adjustments
MARINA Advisory No. 2026-10 provides the regulatory foundation for the fare adjustments, indicating maritime authorities recognize the operational challenges facing ferry operators amid volatile fuel markets. The advisory appears designed to offer shipping companies structured guidance for managing increased operational expenses.
Recent months have witnessed considerable fuel price volatility in global markets, creating substantial pressure on transportation sectors dependent on petroleum products. Maritime operations, requiring significant fuel consumption for vessel propulsion and onboard systems, face particular exposure to these cost fluctuations.
According to OceanJet’s statement, the company remains committed to “carefully managing operations while maintaining our commitment to safe, efficient, and dependable sea travel services” despite current economic challenges.
Western and Eastern Visayas Service Updates
Ferry connections throughout Western Visayas will experience fare increases, with the Iloilo-Bacolod service pricing tourist class at PHP 700 and business class at PHP 1,000. This route provides essential connectivity between Iloilo Province and Negros Occidental for both passengers and commerce.
Several Cebu-originating routes will implement adjusted pricing, including the Cebu-Getafe service at PHP 585 for tourist class and PHP 1,040 for business class. Routes serving Leyte destinations, specifically Cebu-Ormoc and Cebu-Maasin, will charge PHP 1,430 for tourist accommodations and PHP 1,950 for business class.
The most extensive route affected by the surcharge, the Maasin-Surigao connection linking Southern Leyte with Surigao del Norte, will operate at PHP 1,040 for tourist class and PHP 1,560 for business class.
Economic Impact on Regional Travel
The surcharge implementation is anticipated to influence travel behavior across the Visayas, particularly among cost-sensitive passengers who depend on ferry services for regular inter-island movement. While tourist class passengers face smaller absolute increases due to lower base fares, business class travelers will experience more substantial cost impacts.
The adjustment’s timing, occurring during the post-Holy Week period when travel demand typically remains strong, may affect summer travel planning decisions. Many Filipino families schedule island vacation trips during summer months, making ferry accessibility crucial for domestic tourism sectors.
Commercial operators and small-scale traders utilizing regular ferry services for cargo movement between islands may need to recalibrate operational budgets to accommodate higher transportation expenses, potentially affecting regional commerce patterns.
Customer Communication and Support
OceanJet has instructed passengers to obtain information exclusively through official communication channels, including their verified Facebook page, authorized ticketing locations, approved agents, and designated customer service phone lines. This policy aims to eliminate confusion and ensure accurate fare information reaches travelers.
The company’s advisory concluded with appreciation for passenger “continued understanding and support” while urging travelers to “stay safe,” demonstrating the shipping sector’s efforts to preserve customer loyalty during necessary fare increases.
Maritime Industry Background
Philippine ferry operators have navigated multiple operational challenges in recent years, including fuel cost fluctuations, vessel maintenance demands, and evolving regulatory requirements. Temporary surcharges during periods of significant cost escalation represent standard industry practice, with removal typically occurring when market conditions normalize.
As the primary maritime regulatory authority, MARINA routinely publishes advisories addressing operational issues, safety protocols, and pricing policies. Advisory No. 2026-10 represents the agency’s ongoing efforts to assist operators in managing economic pressures while preserving service quality standards.
OceanJet’s emphasis on the surcharge’s temporary status suggests both company management and regulatory officials view current fuel price escalation as a short-term market phenomenon rather than a permanent operational cost increase.
In their passenger advisory, OceanJet stated: “We understand that this adjustment may impact your travel plans, and we sincerely apologize for any inconvenience this may cause. Rest assured that this increase is temporary and will be lifted once fuel prices stabilize.”
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