Shipping firm summoned over 140% fare hike

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March 15, 2026 | 12:00am

MANILA, Philippines — A shipping line in Zamboanga has been summoned by the Department of Transportation for allegedly implementing a 140 percent fare increase.

Transport Secretary Giovanni Lopez directed the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) to issue a show-cause order to the shipping line following their overpriced passenger fares.

In a memorandum issued by MARINA on March 6, shipping companies or operators are allowed to adjust fares at 20 percent maximum to cushion the impact of the Middle East crisis.

Lopez said that while shipping lines remain deregulated, they have to be reasonable with any price adjustments for the sake of passengers.

“Just because the fares are deregulated does not mean you have the right to abuse passengers,” Lopez said. “If you violate the policies of MARINA and DOTr, we have to sanction you.”

Three out of four shipping lines in Batangas Port have implemented fare hikes amid significant oil price hikes.
Lopez, together with the Philippine Ports Authority, conducted an inspection on Friday to monitor fare pricings ahead of the Holy Week.

Profiteers warned

The Department of Trade and Industry has issued a warning to retailers against hoarding essential goods and profiteering, vowing to impose penalties for violations.

“In this time of global uncertainty triggered by the Middle East crisis, the DTI strongly warns all retailers against hoarding essential goods and engaging in profiteering. These illegal practices will not be tolerated,” Trade Secretary Cristina Roque said in a statement yesterday.

She said the DTI would strictly enforce Republic Act 7581 or the Price Act and impose penalties for violations.

Those found engaged in illegal price manipulation would face up to 15 years imprisonment and a fine of up to P2 million.

Roque said at a press conference late Friday that the DTI has convened the National Price Coordinating Council to discuss measures to keep prices stable.

She is set to meet next with logistics companies to discuss the effects of the oil price increases, as well as with manufacturers of basic necessities and prime commodities (BNPCs) on Monday.

“For now, they have not requested any price increase for BNPCs,” Roque said.

Early last week, she said the current inventory is good for two months, based on information from manufacturers and retailers of BNPCs.

To prevent price hikes, the DTI also proposed measures such as a moratorium on toll collection for the transport of BNPCs and the suspension of government’s share in port fees.

Consumers can report complaints through DTI’s 18 regional offices nationwide or hotline 1 DTI (1-384). They may also send complaints to [email protected]. — Louella Desiderio