TRANSPORTATION officials enforced a 20-percent limit on fare increases and debunk claims that port fees drive inflation as Middle East tensions impact global oil prices.
Department of Transportation (DOTr) and Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) officials inspected Batangas Port on March 13, 2026. The inspection addressed Holy Week preparations and rising fuel costs linked to Middle East unrest.
A recent escalation of conflict in the Middle East has caused international crude prices to spike, putting immense pressure on local shipping operators to raise ticket prices and prompting government intervention to prevent predatory pricing.
Transportation Acting Secretary Giovanni Lopez enforced a 20-percent cap on maritime fare increases. He urged passengers to report shipping lines exceeding this limit.
PPA General Manager Jay Santiago dismissed calls to suspend government port charges. He noted that these charges account for less than 1 percent of the retail price of basic goods. Logistics data shows shipping and trucking comprise 85 percent of total transport costs.
PPA confirmed that terminal fees remain free for seniors, students, PWDs and uniformed personnel. The agency also implemented a four-day workweek and a “no idling” policy to reduce energy consumption.
Batangas Port manages a daily capacity of 8,000 passengers. During peak seasons, volume surges to 25,000 travelers moving between Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.
Officials will continue monitoring ticketing booths throughout the month to ensure compliance.
