DOTr orders reduced charges as jet fuel prices surge

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March 13, 2026 | 5:30pm

MANILA. Philippines — The Department of Transportation (DOTr) on Friday, March 13, said that it ordered a reduction in Passenger Service Charges (PSC) at airport navigation charges in airports operated by the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP). 

This is in response to the high jet fuel costs driven up by the Middle East tensions. 

The DOTr said that the cost of jet fuel has doubled. From $90.87 per barrel in February to $188.2 per barrel in March. 

“Dahil dito, inatasan na ni Transportation Secretary Banoy Lopez ang CAAP na bawasan ang Passenger Service Charges at airport navigation charges sa lahat ng CAAP-operated airports bilang bahagi ng mga hakbang para makatulong na mapababa ang operating costs ng mga airline,” the DOTr said in a statement. 

(Because of this, Transportation Secretary Banoy Lopez has instructed the CAAP to reduce its Passenger Service Charges and airport navigation charges for all CAAP-Oriented airports as part of efforts to help reduce the operating costs of airlines.) 

CAAP operates around 30 airports across the country, including the Laoag International Airport, the Zamboanga International Airport, the Davao International Airport and more.

Filipinos across the country are already reeling from the effects of rising fuel costs, with analysts fearing higher inflation rates and power insufficiency.