Shipping companies plying the Negros Oriental route have announced changes to sea travel schedules and rate adjustments for passengers and cargo due to the ongoing Middle East conflict.
Dante Uymatiao, proprietor of Maayo Shipping Lines, Inc., told the Philippine News Agency March 9 that rate adjustments are expected by next week.
“We are still meeting to decide the final changes as everything depends on the trend in global fuel prices as a result of the war in the Middle East,” Uymatiao said.
He assured the public that there are no changes in schedules, so far, and the company will do its best to continue providing the same services as before the conflict started.
Maayo Shipping, a local shipping company based in Dumaguete, maintains several trips between Negros Oriental and Cebu, and owns a fleet of roll-on, roll-off vessels.
It also includes schedules for Larena and Siquijor.
Meanwhile, Ocean Jet announced on social media that some trips are canceled starting Monday until March 20 as part of its cost-cutting measures due to the ongoing “fuel crisis”.
The schedule change affects connecting trips calling at the ports of Cebu, Tagbilaran in Bohol, Siquijor, and Dumaguete, but Ocean Jet has offered alternative trips.
Passengers impacted are eligible for a complete refund at no extra cost for re-scheduling.
Additionally, the Lite Shipping Corporation-Lite Ferries, which also operates trips to and from Negros Oriental, announced “temporary” passenger and cargo surcharge rates effective March 11.
Similarly, Cuadro Alas Navigation Lines said on social media that it will be reducing its fast-craft trips effective March 9.
The fast craft plies the Sibulan, Negros Oriental to Liloan, Cebu and vice versa routes. ||
