BC Ferries adds new surcharge as fuel costs continue to soar
The busy summer travel season is just around the corner, and the cost of sailing with BC Ferries is about to increase for passengers.
According to the company, it will be adding a new temporary fuel surcharge of 5 per cent starting Tuesday, June 16, 2026.
This is in response to what BC Ferries describes as “sustained increases in global fuel prices” and the energy market volatility stemming from geopolitical conflict overseas.
Daniel Chai/Daily Hive
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“We know that any added cost matters to our customers, and we don’t take that lightly – especially for the people, communities and businesses that rely on our services every day,” said Dallyn Willis, Chief Financial Officer at BC Ferries, in a release. “Like others across the province, we’re feeling the direct financial impact of high global fuel prices.
“We’ve used the fuel deferral account to absorb those increases for as long as possible, but given the sharp and persistent rise in these costs, we’ve reached a point where a temporary fuel surcharge is needed. We’re taking this step to carefully manage those pressures in the most measured, gradual and responsible way possible while fuel prices remain elevated.”
BC Ferries explained that the 5 per cent surcharge was chosen as the most balanced way to help deal with rising fuel costs while minimizing impacts to passengers as much as possible.
It also added that the temporary surcharge will apply to all of its routes and is authorized by the BC Ferry Commission.
Daniel Chai/Daily Hive
“Decisions on fuel surcharges are based on several factors, including how far fuel prices rise above the estimated price levels established at the beginning of the current regulatory performance term, how long elevated prices are expected to continue, and the projected balance of the fuel deferral account over time,” explained BC Ferries in its announcement.
Earlier in May, the company told Daily Hive that the surcharge may be necessary as fuel is one of BC Ferries’ highest and most unpredictable operating expenses.
“We’re operating in an environment with continued volatility — including fuel prices, supply chain pressures and increasing demand across the transportation network — all of which add pressure to the system during peak periods,” said Shiryn Sayani, a senior communications adviser with BC Ferries, in an email to Daily Hive Urbanized.
Due to the war in Iran, global fuel prices have shot substantially in recent weeks, without a clear end in sight.
Other companies like Air Canada and WestJet have announced fuel surcharges in response to rising gas prices.
If fuel prices stabilize or decline for a sustained period, the surcharge will be reduced or removed. BC Ferries will continue regularly reviewing fuel market conditions and the fuel deferral account to determine whether adjustments are appropriate.
Tsawwassen Ferry Terminal. (BC Ferries)
BC Ferries is preparing for one of its busiest summers yet, with passenger traffic expected to surpass last year’s record-setting season as tourism, the FIFA World Cup, and everyday travel continue to push the system to its limits.
The ferry company will initiate its Summer 2026 schedule on June 11 — two weeks earlier than usual — as it anticipates higher demand linked in part to the FIFA World Cup in Vancouver and growing travel across coastal communities.
With files from Hanna Hett, Kenneth Chan, and Daily Hive staff.