Shipping lines roll back fares on Batangas-Calapan route

CALAPAN CITY, ORIENTAL MINDORO, Philippines — Two major shipping operators serving the vital Batangas–Calapan gateway reduced their passenger and vehicle fares effective June 22, responding to persistent calls from the provincial government of Oriental Mindoro, while a third carrier has signaled it will implement similar adjustments shortly.

Governor Humerlito Dolor confirmed the development, noting that the province acted in line with regulations set by the Maritime Industry Authority (Marina), particularly after several consecutive weeks of decreases in domestic petroleum prices.

According to Dolor, Starlite Ferries and Montenegro Shipping Lines have both adjusted rates downward, bringing standard passenger fares from a peak of P760—the highest level recorded since fuel cost pressures intensified—to P680. These increases were first introduced following the Middle East-linked fuel crisis that began on February 28.

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READ: 3 major shipping lines raise fares on Batangas–Mindoro routes

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“We fully understand the hardship brought about by the sudden rise in ship fares. Now that there have been successive rollbacks in fuel prices, we formally requested the shipping lines to bring down passenger rates once again—strictly in accordance with Marina policies and guidelines,” Dolor said.

He further reported that Fastcat, another key operator in the route, has already agreed in principle to implement its own fare reduction package, with final details and an official announcement currently being finalized.

“We remain in continuous coordination with the management of Fastcat, and they have likewise expressed agreement and support for our call to adjust fares downward,” Dolor added.

READ: Calapan Port ‘busiest’ in Oriental Mindoro during holiday travel rush

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The series of fare increases began on March 10, directly attributed to rising global fuel costs caused by tensions in the Middle East. Starlite Ferries introduced a second round of adjustments on April 13, adding a temporary 15-percent fuel surcharge as prices remained elevated.

Even with the current reduction, rates remain higher than pre-crisis levels. Before February’s price surge, standard passenger fares stood at P530—meaning the new rate of P680 is still P150 above the baseline. Vehicle rates also remain above previous benchmarks: private cars are currently charged P3,840 compared to P3,410 previously, while wing van truck rates are listed at P8,640 versus the original P8,295.

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Fastcat operates both Roll-on/Roll-off (RoRo) and fast craft vessels, with a fare structure that differs by vessel classification—specifically models ROR 26 and FC 32. Its regular passenger rates currently range between P624 and P768 depending on service type. Provincial officials confirmed that technical discussions are ongoing with the company, and a formal schedule of reduced fares is expected to be released soon.

The Batangas–Calapan sea passage serves as the primary logistics and travel link between mainland Luzon and Oriental Mindoro. It accommodates thousands of commuters, cargo trucks, and private vehicles daily—playing a critical role for residents traveling to Metro Manila for work and sustaining the supply chain that delivers essential goods across the province’s municipalities. /cb

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