Southeast Asia Information Port News (www.dnyxxg.com) Affected by the continued rise in international oil prices, Singapore's shipping and ground transportation industries have successively introduced countermeasures: Genting Dream cruise ship announced a fuel surcharge, several point-to-point passenger transport operators launched driver support policies, and Shell simultaneously raised diesel prices.
On March 17, Genting Dream cruise ship issued a notice on its official website stating that the situation in the Middle East has pushed up fuel and related operating costs. In order to maintain the quality of its shipping services, starting from March 20, all new bookings will be subject to a fuel surcharge of S$15 per person per night for passengers aged 2 and above. This surcharge will be reviewed regularly based on oil price trends, and the company does not rule out the possibility of a reduction if oil prices fall. It is understood that all affected voyages depart from Singapore or nearby homeports.
In the ground transportation sector, many operators are actively introducing cost relief measures. On March 18, SMRT responded to inquiries from Lianhe Zaobao, stating that it will supply fuel to drivers at prices approximately 35% lower than market prices through its self-operated Strides Premier gas stations, while also providing fuel subsidies to some rental car drivers. Gu Guiju, General Manager of Strides Premier Taxi Rental Business, pointed out that the measures aim to alleviate drivers' cost pressures and protect their livelihoods. The company will closely monitor industry developments and assess whether to further strengthen support.
On March 18, ComfortDelGro, Singapore's largest taxi operator, announced that from March 24 to May 31, it will subsidize drivers through two measures: firstly, by imposing an additional fee on Zig app ride-hailing orders (S$0.50 for trips under S$15 and S$0.80 for trips of S$15 and above); and secondly, by increasing metered fares by S$0.01 per mileage increment. All additional charges will go entirely to the drivers. Ryde, a ride-hailing operator, responded on March 18th, stating that fuel prices are one of the industry's core cost factors. The company will continue to monitor changes in the operating environment and will introduce adjustment measures as necessary. Previously, the National Private Taxi Drivers Association had called on platform operators on March 16th to provide long-term assistance to drivers through measures such as adjusting fares.
Regarding fuel prices, on the afternoon of March 18th, Shell raised its diesel price by $0.07 to $3.63 per liter, while other local oil companies maintained their prices.
