Civil Aeronautics Board lowers fuel surcharge level for September

The Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB) lowered the fuel surcharge level for the month of September as the price of jet fuel dropped.

In an advisory signed August 15, 2022, CAB Executive Director Carmelo Arcilla said that effective September 1 to 30, 2022 the fuel surcharge for domestic and international passenger and cargo flights was adjusted to Level 9.

“From 10 July - 9 August 2022, the price of jet fuel averaged P46.73 per liter, which corresponds to Level 9 of the Passenger and Cargo Fuel Surcharge Matrix,” Arcilla said.

Under Level 9, the fuel surcharge for domestic passenger flights ranges from P287 to P839 depending on the distance of the flight, while for domestic cargo flights the fuel surcharge ranges between P1.47 and P4.31.

For international passenger flights originating from the Philippines, the fuel surcharge ranges from P947.39 to P7,044.27 depending on the distance, while for international cargo flights it ranges between P4.87 and P36.21.

The fuel surcharge level for September declined three notches from Level 12 from August 1 to 31, 2022 when the price of jet fuel averaged P54.73 per liter from June 10 to July 9, 2022.

Under Level 12, the fuel surcharge ranges from P389 to P1,137 for domestic flights while for international flights it ranges between P1,284.40 and P9,550.13, depending on flight distance.

“Airlines wishing to impose or collect fuel surcharges for the same period must file its application with this office on or before the effectivity period, with fuel surcharge rates not exceeding the above-stated level,” Arcilla said.

Sought for comment, Philippine Airlines (PAL) spokesperson Cielo Villaluna said, “We welcome this positive development and we will carry out the corresponding adjustments in our fuel surcharges. The new fuel surcharge rate will be applicable to tickets that will be purchased in September."

"This is a welcome development. We look forward to the lower fuel surcharge which should help make fares more affordable and stimulate air travel," said Xander Lao, Cebu Pacific chief commercial officer.

Likewise, AirAsia Philippines spokesperson Steve Dailisan said the airline welcomed the lowering of the fuel surcharge cost to Level 9, and the adjustments would be reflected in their ticket prices accordingly.

“This will benefit many of our guests who are now planning their travels in time for the BER months,” Dailisan said. — DVM, GMA News