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

YachtCruiseSG, which runs speedboat tours around Singapore’s Southern Islands, said it now costs about S$800 to refuel a vessel – up roughly 45 per cent from around S$550 before the conflict.

Instead of raising prices, the company 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.

Another operator, Marina South Ferries, plans to introduce fare increases of 20 to 30 per cent in phases over the coming weeks. Some of its private charter trips have already seen fares rise by 30 per cent.

CONSOLIDATING CROSS-BORDER TRIPS

Similarly, rising fuel costs are also affecting cross-border bus services between Singapore and Malaysia.

Operators said they may begin consolidating bus trips after the Hari Raya period, such as reducing departure timings and optimising routes to keep ticket prices stable.

One firm, Cityline Global, told CNA that diesel costs have increased by around 30 per cent since the conflict began.

Its drivers have also reported to management that some petrol stations in Malaysia are restricting diesel purchases to 20 litres per vehicle, down from about 150 litres previously.