CAB slashes fuel surcharge to Level 15 for the rest of May

Good news for travelers: the Civil Aeronautics Board announced on Tuesday that passenger fuel surcharges will be lowered to Level 15 for the period of May 16 to 31. This is a drop from the current Level 18 rates implemented during the first half of the month.

Fuel surcharge is the extra fee that airlines may collect in addition to the base fare to cover the costs incurred from oil price volatility. The adjustment means a noticeable decrease in the add-on costs for both local and international travel.

Under the new Level 15 matrix, passengers on domestic routes can expect to pay between P491 and P1,436, while international travelers will see surcharges ranging from P1,621.42 to P12,056.

According to the memo, airlines wishing to impose or collect fuel surcharge for the same period must file their application with the CAB on or before the effectivity period.

It added that the applicable conversion rate is USD 1 = P61.18.

Last April 18, Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez said in a news forum that the cost of jet fuel doubled amid the Middle East conflict.

"Dati, pre-war ang bili ng airlines companies ay $80 (P4,800) to $90 (P5,400) per barrel. Ngayon po pumapalo na sa $200 (P12,000) per barrel.