Ferry operators serving the Tangil Port in Dumanjug, Cebu to Liko Bulado Port in Guihulngan, Negros Oriental route have implemented fare increases effective April 11, 2026, citing continuous rises in diesel prices affecting vessel operations.
According to a formal notice submitted to the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) Regional Office VII, the fuel surcharge adjustment affects all passenger categories and cargo types on the inter-island route connecting Cebu and Negros islands.
The shipping company's operations manager informed MARINA Regional Director Engr. Ronaldo P. Bandalaria that the adjustment became necessary "to sustain operations and ensure safe, reliable, and efficient maritime transport services to the riding public."
New Passenger Fare Structure Takes Effect
Under the revised rate schedule, regular passengers now pay P410.00 for the ferry crossing, representing a significant increase from previous rates. Senior citizens and persons with disabilities (PWD) holding valid identification cards are charged P292.86, while students presenting valid student IDs or study load slips pay P328.00.
Children aged 11 years and below travel at a reduced rate of P205.00, maintaining the traditional discount for young passengers on the route that serves as a vital link between the two provinces.
The fare structure reflects the shipping industry's standard practice of providing discounted rates for vulnerable sectors while passing increased operational costs to regular paying passengers.
Heavy Equipment and Cargo Rates Significantly Adjusted
Commercial cargo and heavy equipment transportation costs have seen substantial increases under the new pricing structure. Equipment weighing seven tons and below now costs P8,770.00 to transport, while machinery weighing 15 tons and below is charged P11,070.00.
Heavy equipment exceeding 15 tons faces the highest rate at P18,070.00 per crossing. Container shipping rates vary by size, with 20-footer containers charged P10,970.00, 30-footer containers at P12,270.00, and 40-footer containers commanding P14,070.00.
These rates directly impact construction projects, agricultural operations, and commercial enterprises across both Cebu and Negros Oriental that rely on the ferry service for equipment transportation.
Rolling Cargo Categories Face Varied Rate Increases
The new rate structure establishes distinct pricing tiers for different vehicle categories. Large commercial vehicles including 12-wheel and 10-wheel extended units now pay P6,700.00, while standard 8-wheel and 10-wheel vehicles are charged P4,300.00.
Mid-size commercial vehicles such as 6-wheel fighters and forward trucks pay P4,200.00, with 6-wheel Elf and Canter vehicles charged P3,920.00. Smaller commercial units including 6-wheel and 4-wheel Bongo trucks, as well as extended premium vans, are assessed P3,220.00.
Popular passenger vehicles including SUVs, pick-up trucks, wagons, and extended multicabs face a rate of P2,940.00, while standard passenger vehicles such as multicabs, sedans, and compact cars like the Toyota Wigo are charged P1,960.00.
Motorcycle Transportation Costs Structured by Engine Size
Motorcycle owners transporting their vehicles across the strait encounter rates based on engine displacement categories. Two-wheeled motorcycles with engines up to 200cc pay P1,000.00, while those with 200cc to 650cc engines are charged P1,200.00.
High-displacement motorcycles ranging from 700cc to 1,000cc face a P1,400.00 rate, and three-wheeled vehicles are assessed P1,600.00 for the crossing.
This categorization reflects the varying space and weight requirements for different motorcycle types aboard the ferry vessels.
Fuel Price Volatility Drives Maritime Industry Adjustments
The fare adjustment represents the latest response by Philippine maritime operators to volatile fuel costs that significantly impact vessel operations. Diesel fuel constitutes a major operational expense for ferry services, directly affecting profitability and service sustainability.
Maritime operators across the Philippines have implemented similar adjustments throughout 2026 as global oil prices continue fluctuating due to various economic factors affecting international petroleum markets.
The Tangil-Bulado route serves as a crucial transportation link for residents, tourists, and commercial enterprises moving between Cebu and Negros Oriental, making fare stability important for regional economic activity.
Regulatory Oversight Ensures Fare Adjustment Compliance
The formal notification to MARINA Regional Office VII demonstrates the regulatory framework governing Philippine maritime transportation. Shipping operators must seek authority approval for fare adjustments, ensuring transparency and protecting passenger interests.
MARINA Region VII, headquartered in Lahug, Cebu City, oversees maritime operations throughout the Central Visayas region, including routes connecting major islands and serving inter-provincial transportation needs.
The agency's role includes monitoring safety standards, operational compliance, and fare reasonableness to balance operator sustainability with public accessibility to maritime transportation services.
Duration of Fare Increases Tied to Fuel Market Recovery
According to the shipping company's notice, the increased rates will remain in effect "until fuel prices return to normal levels," indicating the temporary nature of the adjustment pending market stabilization.
This approach allows operators to respond dynamically to fuel cost fluctuations while providing passengers and cargo shippers with hope for eventual rate reductions when market conditions improve.
The Guihulngan-Dumanjug route continues operating under normal schedules despite the fare adjustments, maintaining essential connectivity between the two provinces for both passenger and cargo transportation needs.
Photo credit: Photo courtesy of Maritime Industry Authority Region VII