Philippines to See New Hike in Airline Fuel Surcharges Starting August

MANILA, Philippines — Air travelers flying within and out of the Philippines will face higher fares starting in August after the Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB) approved a higher jet fuel surcharge due to rising global oil prices. From Aug. 1 to 15, airlines may collect a Level 13 fuel surcharge, charging passengers an additional P423 to P1,237 for domestic flights and P1,396.74 to P10,385.42 for international routes. The increase marks a sharp jump from Level 8, which was in effect from July 16 to 31 and was the lowest surcharge level since the Middle East conflict began in late February. Under Level 8, airlines collected fuel surcharges ranging from P253 to P787 for domestic flights and from P835.05 to P6,208.98 for international services. Global jet fuel prices have been on the rise again, averaging $160.06 per barrel as of July 24, up 7.1 percent from $149.40 per barrel a week earlier. /pai INQ