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The Cebu Port Authority is providing discounts and suspending collection of port charges for two months in response to rising fuel prices
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Effective April 18, CPA will implement a 40% discount on berthing and anchorage fees for domestic vessels calling at Cebu ports
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It is also suspending roll-on/roll-off wharfage fees for cargo vehicles transporting purely agricultural products, passenger terminal fees, and fees for single entry pass, watering permit, bunkering permit, and other harbor control center-approved permits
The Cebu Port Authority (CPA) is providing discounts and suspending the collection of port charges for two months to mitigate the impact of rising fuel prices on the domestic shipping industry.
The order is contained in CPA Memorandum Circular (MC) No. 4 series of 2026 approved by the Cebu Port Commission during its meeting on March 26.
In a statement, CPA said the move is in response to rising fuel prices, which have jacked up operating costs of shipping lines and consequently increased passenger fares and cargo rates.
“As a result, travel cost is becoming less affordable for the public while businesses are facing higher logistics expenses. If this continues, this may disrupt supply chains, increase commodity prices and decline Cebu’s trade efficiency,” CPA said.
Effective April 18, CPA will implement the following measures:
- 40% discount on berthing fees for domestic vessels calling at Cebu ports
- 40% discount on anchorage fees for domestic vessels within CPA jurisdiction
- Suspension of roll-on/roll-off wharfage fees for cargo vehicles transporting purely agricultural products, including 6-wheelers (4,800–7,500 kilogram); 6-wheelers, prime movers without trailer (7,600–15,000 kg); 8-wheelers, tank lorries, and 10-wheel straight trucks (20,000–25,000 kg); and 10-wheel prime movers with trailers (26,000 kg and above)
- Suspension of passenger terminal fees in all CPA-operated terminals
- Suspension of fees for single entry pass, watering permit, bunkering permit, and other harbor control center (HCC)-approved permits
CPA said the measures effectively position it to absorb part of the operational costs of port operations ensuring the uninterrupted delivery of essential services, including infrastructure maintenance, utilities, sanitation, security and emergency response.
The suspension of passenger terminal fees will also make CPA subsidize the continued operations of the passenger terminal buildings, particularly on shuttle services, comfort room maintenance, security services, cleaning and sanitation (including waste disposal), lighting and air-conditioning systems, electrical and utility services, water supply and plumbing maintenance, emergency and medical services, • pest control, and administrative and operational staffing.
CPA general manager Francisco Comendador III acknowledged that the initiative will impact CPA operations but emphasized the need to support port stakeholders during this challenging period.
“Our priority is to ease the burden on our stakeholders and the riding public,” he said.
“We will implement this measure for a period of two (2) months as we remain hopeful that the situation will stabilize soon and allow us to shift our focus to recovery efforts. However, this may be extended if necessary,” Comendador added.
To complement these interventions, CPA is also implementing energy-saving and austerity measures, including:
- Adoption of a 4-day work week for non-frontline personnel
- Use of solar lighting in port facilities
- Strict implementation of resource conservation measures
- Limited use of service vehicles to urgent and critical operations
- Maximization of virtual meetings and digital platforms
- Cancellation of non-essential official travel
CPA said it remains committed to ensuring the continuous and efficient delivery of port services while supporting the maritime industry and the commuting public during the ongoing fuel crisis.
Similarly, the Philippine Ports Authority reduced RoRo terminal fee to just P1 for vehicles handling agricultural, and has relaxed accreditation and permit to operate requirements for bunkering services to ensure continuous and timely delivery of fuel to vessels calling at PPA ports.
