In a Memorandum Circular No. 04 Series of 2026, a 40-percent discount on berthing fees will be granted for domestic vessels calling at Cebu port, as well as on anchorage fees within CPA jurisdiction starting April 18.
Effective April 18, the CPA will also suspend the collection of RoRo wharfage fees for cargo vehicles transporting purely agricultural products, including 6-wheelers (4,800–7,500 kg); 6-wheel prime movers without trailers (7,600–15,000 kg); 8-wheelers; tank lorries; 10-wheel straight trucks (20,000–25,000 kg); and 10-wheel prime movers with trailers (26,000 kg and above).
Effective April 18, the CPA will also suspend the collection of RoRo wharfage fees for cargo vehicles transporting purely agricultural products, including 6-wheelers (4,800–7,500 kg); 6-wheel prime movers without trailers (7,600–15,000 kg); 8-wheelers; tank lorries; 10-wheel straight trucks (20,000–25,000 kg); and 10-wheel prime movers with trailers (26,000 kg and above).
The shippers will only have to submit proof to the Port Management Office that the vehicles are carrying purely agricultural products, according to the memorandum.
Suspension of collection
The CPA will also suspend the collection of Passenger Terminal Fees in all CPA-operated terminals as well as fees for Single Entry Pass, Watering Permit, Bunkering Permit, and other Harbor Control Center (HCC)-approved permits.
The discounts and suspension of selected port dues will be in effect for two months, with the expectation that conditions will stabilize by then.
The measures mean the CPA will absorb part of the operational costs of port operations, as well as subsidize the continued operation of passenger terminal buildings, including services such as shuttle transport, comfort room maintenance, security, cleaning and sanitation, and electrical and utility services, among others.
However, rising fuel prices have pushed up operating costs, prompting shipping companies to increase passenger fares and cargo charges.
“As a result, travel costs are becoming less affordable for the public, while businesses are facing higher logistics expenses. If this continues, it may disrupt supply chains, drive up commodity prices, and reduce Cebu’s trade efficiency,” the CPA said in a statement posted on its Facebook page.
Another round
With diesel prices now approaching P150 per liter, shipping companies have once again raised their rates to offset rising costs.
At least three shipping firms have announced an additional 10 percent fuel surcharge on top of existing temporary surcharges already in place.
Roble Shipping Inc. and Aznar Shipping will implement the increase on April 3, while Lite Shipping’s new rate will take effect the following day, April 4.
The shipping firms said the adjustments are necessary to sustain operations and will be lifted once fuel prices normalize.
FastCat also announced on its Facebook page that it will impose a fuel surcharge on all routes starting April 1. —Ed: Corrie S. Narisma
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