CPA cuts port charges to ease impact of soaring fuel prices

Local

THE Cebu Port Authority (CPA) has reduced port charges and suspended selected fees to ease pressure on shipping lines, businesses, and passengers amid the rising fuel prices.

In a statement on Wednesday, April 1, CPA announced a series of responsive measures as the ongoing oil crisis continues to significantly impact Cebu’s maritime sector.

The agency said rising fuel prices have increased operating costs, prompting shipping lines to raise passenger fares and cargo charges, making travel less affordable and increasing logistics expenses for businesses.

It warned that prolonged increases may disrupt supply chains, raise commodity prices and reduce Cebu’s trade efficiency.

The Cebu Port Commission approved CPA Memorandum Circular No. 4, series of 2026, during its meeting on March 26, authorizing the implementation of discounts and suspension of port charges for two months after publication.

The measures will take effect on April 18, 2026.

Under the circular, CPA will grant a 40 percent discount on berthing fees for domestic vessels calling at Cebu ports and a 40 percent discount on anchorage fees for domestic vessels within CPA jurisdiction.

The authority will also suspend roll on roll off wharfage fees for cargo vehicles transporting purely agricultural products, including six wheelers, prime movers without trailers, eight wheelers, tank lorries, 10 wheel straight trucks and 10 wheel prime movers with trailers.

CPA will also suspend passenger terminal fees in all CPA operated terminals.

Fees for Single Entry Pass, Watering Permit, Bunkering Permit and other Harbor Control Center approved permits will likewise be temporarily lifted.

CPA said the measures position the agency to absorb part of the operational costs of port operations while ensuring uninterrupted delivery of essential services, including infrastructure maintenance, utilities, sanitation, security and emergency response.

Despite suspending passenger terminal fees, CPA said it will continue subsidizing the operations of passenger terminal buildings.

This includes shuttle services, comfort room maintenance, security services, cleaning and sanitation, lighting and air conditioning systems, electrical and utility services.

As well as water supply and plumbing maintenance, emergency and medical services, pest control and administrative staffing.

CPA General Manager Francisco C. Comendador III acknowledged that the initiative will impact CPA operations but emphasized the need to support port stakeholders during the fuel crisis.

“Our priority is to ease the burden on our stakeholders and the riding public,” he said.

“We will implement this measure for a period of two months as we remain hopeful that the situation will stabilize soon and allow us to shift our focus to recovery efforts. However, this may be extended if necessary,” Comendador added.

To complement the interventions, CPA implemented several energy saving and austerity measures.

These include adopting a four day work week for non frontline personnel and using solar lighting in port facilities.

The agency also enforced strict resource conservation measures and limited the use of service vehicles to urgent and critical operations.

It also maximized virtual meetings and canceled non-essential official travel.

Meanwhile, daily passenger traffic at CPA-operated piers during the Holy Week celebration so far, as of Holy Wednesday, April 1, showed steady activity.

On March 28, Pier 1 recorded 5,586 inbound and 8,561 outbound passengers, Pier 3 had 2,505 inbound and 3,950 outbound, and Pier 4 saw 2,228 inbound and 4,853 outbound passengers.

On March 29, Pier 1 recorded 5,023 inbound and 5,760 outbound, Pier 3 had 2,144 inbound and 3,840 outbound, and Pier 4 recorded 2,228 inbound and 3,443 outbound passengers.

On March 30, passenger traffic rose at Pier 1 with 6,280 inbound and 7,052 outbound, Pier 3 had 2,844 inbound and 3,707 outbound, and Pier 4 recorded 3,365 inbound and 5,159 outbound.

On March 31, Pier 1 saw 4,552 inbound and 6,951 outbound passengers, Pier 3 recorded 3,037 inbound and 4,784 outbound, and Pier 4 had 1,962 inbound and 4,213 outbound passengers.(MyTVCebu)