The Civil Aeronautics Board will raise the passenger fuel surcharge to Level 13 for August 1 through 15, up from Level 8 in the second half of July. This marks the first increase after six review periods of declining surcharge levels.
Airlines collecting surcharges in foreign currencies should use an exchange rate of P61.65 per US dollar.
At Level 13, domestic flight surcharges range from P423 to P1,237, while international flights range from P1,396.74 to P10,385.42, depending on distance. The variation reflects the longer distances of international routes.
Level 8 surcharges were P253 to P787 for domestic flights and P835.05 to P6,208.98 for international routes. Thus the new levels more than double the previous rates.
Indicative rates show passengers traveling to Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia, and Guam would pay P1,931.72. Those heading to Indonesia, Japan, and South Korea would pay P2,172.80.
Fuel surcharges are added to base fares to offset jet fuel price fluctuations, with adjustments based on the Mean of Platts Singapore benchmark.
The regulator shifted from a monthly to a 15‑day review cycle to respond more quickly to fuel price movements after the Middle East conflict. The interim cycle will remain until market conditions stabilize or the policy is revised.
Jet fuel prices rose 7.1% week on week to $160.06 per barrel as of July 24, 77.8% higher than a year earlier.
The low‑cost carrier plans to reintroduce promotional fares with base fares starting at P188 to stimulate travel demand in the second half of the year. This move comes despite higher fuel costs.
Fuel retailers increased gasoline, diesel, and kerosene prices effective July 21 by up to P3.65, P10.68, and P11.77 per liter, respectively. The adjustments reflect rising input costs.
Fuel inventory is sufficient to meet the average daily demand of 78.08 million liters for about 45 days as of July 17. Jet fuel stocks are enough for approximately 82 days.
