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The Maritime Industry Authority has lowered back to 30% from 40% the maximum allowable increase in passenger and cargo rates that domestic shipping lines may impose
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The order follows the downward adjustment of fuel costs for the past three weeks
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The transport of agricultural products and basic/critical commodities will continue to be given priority and revert to freight rates as of February 28, 2026
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The setting of maximum allowable increase in passenger and cargo rates is part of the maritime authority’s supplemental contingency measures to address the impact of the Middle East conflict on the maritime industry
The Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) has lowered back to 30% from 40% the maximum allowable increase in passenger and cargo rates that domestic shipping lines may impose.
The order follows the downward adjustment of fuel costs for the past three weeks per the Department of Energy Oil Monitor Advisories, according to MARINA Advisory (MA) No. 2026-23 dated May 11.
“The maximum 30% 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,” MA No. 2026-23 said.
The transport of agricultural products and basic/critical commodities will continue to be given priority and revert to freight rates as of February 28, 2026 before the fuel crisis. Prior to this, MARINA had put a 20% limit for rate adjustment for agricultural products.
MARINA through MA No. 2026-15 issued last March has set the maximum allowable increase in rates to 30%, and then raised it to 40% through MA No. 2026-17 in April.
READ: MARINA allows up to 40% hike in passenger fares, cargo fees from previous 30%
The setting of maximum allowable increase in passenger and cargo rates is part of the maritime authority’s supplemental contingency measures to address the impact of the Middle East conflict on the maritime industry.
Under MA No. 2026-15, should global fuel prices decrease, operators are mandated to implement a corresponding downward rate adjustment.
Similar to increases, the price decrease must be posted or published and will take effect three calendar days following the notification.
MARINA earlier said it 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
