Hong Kong-Macau ferry operators TurboJET and Cotai Water Jet have announced fare hikes for their cross-border routes, citing a sharp surge in fuel prices due to the Middle East conflict and persistent inflationary pressure on operational costs. The adjustments have been formally approved by the Macao SAR government.
TurboJET indicated that for its routes connecting Hong Kong to Macau’s Outer Harbour or Taipa, the fare for a standard cabin on weekday day sailings will rise from HK$175 to HK$194 (US$22 to US$25). Weekend and holiday sailings will be adjusted to HK$212 (US$27).
Cotai Water Jet released a similar updated fare schedule. Standard cabin weekday day sailings will increase to HK$192 (US$25), while night sailings will rise from HK$220 to HK$242 (US$28 to US$31). Fares for First Class seats will remain unchanged for the time being.
The price hike comes as global oil markets experience extreme volatility triggered by US-Iran tensions. In Macau, unleaded gasoline prices have climbed to between MOP$16.90 and MOP$17.90 (US$2.10 to US$2.22) per liter. Hong Kong has seen even steeper increases, with prices reaching as high as HK$$32.29 (US$4.12) per liter.
The logistics and transport sectors in Macau are bracing for the impact, with industry representatives warning of a potential 20% increase in general transportation fees to cover the soaring overhead.
The crisis is also hitting the aviation industry. Air Macau recently confirmed to local media that it has been forced to cancel over 400 round-trip flights between May and June due to “prohibitive” fuel costs. The cancellations impact several routes to mainland China, as well as international destinations including Tokyo, Osaka, Seoul, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur and Jakarta.
Air Macau noted that international jet fuel prices have skyrocketed from US$97 to US$205 per barrel, a staggering 110% increase.
“Even with the upward adjustment of fuel surcharges and optimized ticketing strategies, it remains difficult to fully offset the immense cost pressure,” the airline stated.
The carrier further cautioned that if surcharges continue to rise, the increased cost of travel will likely dampen passenger demand and affect the overall recovery of the tourism sector.
