Starting April 10, 2026, ferry passengers across the archipelago will face higher ticket prices as OceanJet implements a temporary 10% surcharge on all passenger routes. The major Philippine ferry operator announced this fare adjustment on April 8, attributing the increase to escalating global fuel costs and adherence to Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) Advisory No. 2026-10.
The shipping line assured travelers that the price adjustment remains temporary and will be removed when fuel market conditions stabilize. This surcharge impacts numerous inter-island connections throughout the Visayas region, covering destinations like Cebu, Tagbilaran, Dumaguete, Siquijor, Iloilo, and Bacolod.
Nine Major Routes See Price Adjustments
Under the revised pricing structure, OceanJet's nine primary routes will experience fare increases affecting both economy and premium cabin classes. The heavily traveled Cebu-Tagbilaran connection will now charge PHP 1,000 for tourist/open air seating and PHP 1,560 for business class passengers.
Island connections to Siquijor will see notable price changes across multiple entry points. Passengers taking the Tagbilaran-Siquijor route will pay PHP 1,000 for economy class and PHP 1,560 for premium accommodations, while the Dumaguete-Siquijor service will cost PHP 455 for standard seating and PHP 754 for business class.
The critical Tagbilaran-Dumaguete connection, linking Bohol and Negros Oriental, will feature updated rates of PHP 1,170 for economy passengers and PHP 1,820 for business class travelers under the new fare system.
Regional Maritime Network Experiences Price Changes
Western Visayas ferry operations will implement corresponding fare increases, with the Iloilo-Bacolod service setting rates at PHP 700 for economy class and PHP 1,000 for business class. This connection provides essential transportation between Iloilo Province and Negros Occidental.
Several Cebu-originating routes face pricing adjustments, including the Cebu-Getafe service priced at PHP 585 for economy and PHP 1,040 for business class. Routes serving Leyte destinations, specifically Cebu-Ormoc and Cebu-Maasin, will charge PHP 1,430 for standard accommodations and PHP 1,950 for premium seating.
The most extensive route affected, Maasin-Surigao, which connects Southern Leyte to Surigao del Norte, will implement fares of PHP 1,040 for economy class and PHP 1,560 for business class.
Regulatory Framework Supports Maritime Industry
This pricing adjustment responds directly to MARINA Advisory No. 2026-10, which provides operational guidance for shipping companies managing increased costs amid volatile global fuel markets. The advisory indicates that maritime regulators acknowledge the financial challenges confronting ferry operators and have established protocols for temporary fare adjustments.
Recent months have witnessed considerable fluctuation in international fuel prices, creating operational pressure across multiple transportation sectors. The maritime industry, which depends heavily on fuel for vessel operations, faces particular vulnerability to these market changes.
"We understand that this adjustment may impact your travel plans, and we sincerely apologize for any inconvenience this may cause," OceanJet communicated in their passenger notice. "Rest assured that this increase is temporary and will be lifted once fuel prices stabilize."
Travel Behavior and Economic Implications
The surcharge implementation may influence passenger movement patterns throughout the Visayas archipelago, especially among cost-sensitive travelers who depend on ferry services for regular inter-island transport. Economy class passengers will experience smaller absolute fare increases compared to business class travelers, though the percentage impact remains consistent.
The post-Holy Week timing of this fare increase, when travel demand typically sustains elevated levels, could affect passenger choices for upcoming summer vacation plans. Filipino families commonly organize island-hopping excursions during summer months, making ferry accessibility essential for domestic tourism sectors.
Commercial traders and small business operators who depend on consistent ferry schedules for cargo movement between islands may need to revise operational expenses to account for higher transportation overhead.
Customer Communication Strategy
The company has instructed passengers to obtain information exclusively through verified channels, including their official Facebook presence, physical ticketing locations, authorized sales representatives, and designated customer service telephone lines. This approach aims to eliminate confusion and guarantee travelers access accurate pricing details.
OceanJet expressed gratitude to passengers for their "continued understanding and support" while encouraging safe travel practices. This communication strategy demonstrates maritime operators' focus on preserving customer loyalty despite unavoidable fare increases.
Maritime Industry Operating Environment
Philippine ferry operators have encountered numerous operational challenges recently, including variable fuel expenses, vessel maintenance demands, and regulatory compliance requirements. Shipping companies have periodically introduced temporary surcharges during significant cost escalation periods, typically eliminating them when market stability returns.
MARINA functions as the principal regulatory authority for maritime operations, routinely publishing advisories covering operational protocols, safety standards, and pricing guidelines. Advisory No. 2026-10 represents the agency's ongoing support for operators managing current economic pressures while preserving service quality.
The company emphasized that it "continues to carefully manage operations while maintaining our commitment to safe, efficient, and dependable sea travel services" despite prevailing economic challenges.
OceanJet's emphasis on the surcharge's temporary status suggests both the operator and regulatory bodies consider current fuel price volatility a short-term market phenomenon rather than a permanent operational cost adjustment.
Photo credit: Photo courtesy of OceanJet/Facebook