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The Maritime Industry Authority raised to 40%, from the earlier 30%, the maximum allowable increase in passenger and cargo rates that domestic shipping lines may impose
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The increase under MARINA Advisory No. 2026-17 is part of the maritime authority’s supplemental contingency measures to address the impact of the Middle East conflict
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The transport of agricultural products and basic/critical commodities will continue to be given priority and remain subject to the 20% limit for rate adjustment attributed to fuel price fluctuations
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Shipping operators must still inform both MARINA and the general public about any rate increase at least three calendar days before effectivity date
The Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) raised to 40%, from the previous 30%, the maximum allowable increase in passenger and cargo rates that domestic shipping lines may impose.
The increase under MARINA Advisory (MA) No. 2026-17, issued on April 10, is part of the maritime authority’s supplemental contingency measures to address the impact of the Middle East conflict on the maritime industry.
“The maximum 40% shall be based on the published rate indicated in the Certificate of Public Convenience (CPC) of the domestic shipping companies and operators as of 28 February 2026 and shall consider the rate adjustments implemented prior to the effectivity of this Advisory,” MA No. 2026-17 said.
The transport of agricultural products and basic/critical commodities will continue to be given priority and remain subject to the 20% limit for rate adjustment attributed to fuel price fluctuations.
Shipping operators must still inform both MARINA and the general public about any rate increase at least three calendar days before effectivity date.
Notice must be provided via publication in a newspaper of general or regional circulation, or posting in conspicuous areas, including affected ports, vessels, company premises, passenger terminals, ticketing offices, and official company websites or social media accounts.
MA No. 2026-17 follows the issuance of MA No. 2026-10, which provided the initial contingency measures, and MA No. 2026-15, which included supplemental measures, including the maximum 30% rate increase limit.
READ: Domestic shipping operators may raise freight, passenger rates by up to 30%
Should global fuel prices decrease, the advisory mandates operators to implement a corresponding downward rate adjustment, according to MA No. 2026-15.
Similar to increases, the price decrease must be posted or published and will take effect three calendar days following the notification.
MARINA will conduct regular monitoring of freight and passage rates to ensure compliance.
Passenger and cargo rates in the domestic shipping industry have been deregulated since 2004 through Republic Act No. 9295 (Domestic Shipping Development Act of 2004), but the law allows MARINA to intervene in order to protect public interest.
MARINA administrator Sonia Malaluan earlier said the measure reflects the agency’s “commitment to balance the viability of our shipping industry with the protection of the Filipino commuting and shipping public.”
She added: “Amid global uncertainties, we are ensuring that rate adjustments remain fair, transparent, and within reasonable limits. At the same time, we want to assure the public that these adjustments are not permanent — when global fuel prices go down, corresponding fare reductions will be implemented, in line with our policy on mandatory downward adjustments.”— Roumina Pablo
