Fewer cross-border bus, ferry trips: Travel disruptions mount as Iran war drives fuel costs higher

Rising fuel costs are impacting ferry and bus operators in Singapore, leading to adjustments in schedules and fares. Companies are working to consolidate trips and optimize routes to mitigate the financial strain.

Consolidating Cross-Border Trips

Batam Fast is collaborating with Sindo Ferry to maximize passenger numbers on routes to less-traveled areas of Batam, such as Gold Coast, and provide more scheduling options. If a trip has low passenger volume, Batam Fast may ask travelers to consider the next available departure, according to the firm’s general manager of ferry operations, Chua Choon Leng.

“That’s the best scenario that we can have. If you think that your timing is very critical because you have activities in Batam, then we will transfer you to our interlining partner’s trip,” Chua added.

Other maritime operators are also facing challenges. YachtCruiseSG, which operates speedboat tours around Singapore’s Southern Islands, reports refueling costs have risen to approximately S$800 per vessel – a roughly 45 percent increase from around S$550 before the recent conflict.

Instead of increasing prices, YachtCruiseSG has reduced the number of daily trips. “Instead of five full slots, we’re going to cut down to three so that we minimise the usage of petrol. We are not going to make any money, but we also don’t lose money,” said YachtCruiseSG director Kogu Segaran.

Marina South Ferries plans to implement fare increases of 20 to 30 percent in stages over the coming weeks, with some private charter trips already seeing a 30 percent fare increase.

The rising fuel costs are also affecting cross-border bus services between Singapore and Malaysia. Operators are considering consolidating bus trips after the Hari Raya period, including reducing departure times and optimizing routes to maintain stable ticket prices.

Cityline Global reported that diesel costs have increased by around 30 percent since the conflict began. The firm’s drivers have also noted that some petrol stations in Malaysia are now limiting diesel purchases to 20 litres per vehicle, down from approximately 150 litres previously.