AIRFARES are set to rise sharply again after the Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB) raised the passenger fuel surcharge to Level 19 for the second half of April, bringing charges close to the maximum allowed level.
In an advisory issued yesterday, but already effective on April 16, the CAB said the new rate marks a steep jump from the Level 8 imposed from April 1 to 15 and from the pre-Middle East conflict Level 4.
Under Level 19, fuel surcharges for domestic flights now range from P627 to P1,834, up from P253 to P787 earlier in April — equivalent to increases of 147.83 percent and 133.04 percent, respectively.
For international flights, the surcharge ranges from P2,070.77 to P15,397.15, up from P835.05 to P6,208.98 previously, representing a 147.98 percent increase.
“This interim measure shall be in effect until the current situation stabilizes, or as may be revised or revoked accordingly,” CAB said.
Level 20 is the highest allowable surcharge tier. At that level, domestic surcharges would range from P661 to P1,993, while international charges would reach P2,183.11 to P16,232.44.
Under CAB Resolution No. 25, Series of 2022, fuel surcharges are optional and charged on top of the base airfare. These may be removed if the one-month average price of jet fuel falls below P21 per liter. (Logan Kal-El M. Zapanta © Philippine Daily Inquirer)
