Ferry operators Wightlink and Red Funnel have responded to the question of whether there will be fare increases amid oil price volatility and conflict in the Middle East.
The Local Democracy Reporter Service has asked both Wightlink and Red Funnel if passengers will pay more because of the market turbulence which has seen oil prices surge past $100 per barrel.
According to Hargreaves Lansdowne, the Brent Crude Oil price currently stands at $95.42.
Wightlink has said the situation is ‘constantly evolving’ and that it is ‘too early’ to predict whether there will be a knock-on effect on fares.
Phil Delaney, the firm’s commercial director, has said his company has written to the Government to share its concerns over both rising oil prices and new emissions trading scheme charges.
Meanwhile, Red Funnel’s CEO, Fran Collins, has confirmed the company has no plans to implement a fuel surcharge at this time.
Mike Williams, who launched a petition calling for a government-backed scheme to make ferry fares ‘affordable’, previously said he would not be ‘at all surprised’ if there are fare increases soon due to Iran War-related fuel price volatility.
In correspondence with Isle of Wight West MP Richard Quigley, the Cowes resident said the situation for Islanders is ‘continuing to deteriorate’, amid a deepening cost-of-living crisis in an already fragile local economy.
Responding to the petition, Wightlink’s Phil Delaney has said:
“Global events, including the conflict involving Iran, have led to volatility in oil prices affecting organisations worldwide. As a lifeline transport provider, we work closely with our fuel partners to help minimise the impact on customers.
“As the situation is constantly evolving, it is too early to predict whether this will have any knock‑on effect on fares.
“We have written to the government to share our concerns about the combined impact of rising oil prices and the introduction of new emissions trading scheme charges.
“Our CEO, Katy Taylor, has offered to meet Mr Williams to discuss his feedback. For the time being, he has chosen to liaise directly with Island MPs regarding his concerns.”
For Red Funnel, Ms Collins said:
“Airline prices are soaring and more people are expected to plan UK staycations in 2026 as a result. To help ensure the Isle of Wight benefits from this increased interest, we have no plans to implement a fuel surcharge at this time.
“Island residents can also continue to benefit from a number of existing discounts, many of which can be accessed via the Big Book of Savings.
“Now is the time for the Island to shine and show holidaymakers what it has to offer as a beautiful, easy-to-reach destination, without the usual airport hassle.
“No baggage restrictions, passport control or lengthy check-in process to navigate, just a relaxing journey across the Solent in under an hour.”
Any excuse to sting travellers, why why why does it cost
so much per mile to travel across the solent!!!!
It’s less than 6 miles
The mileage rate is atrocious and something needs to be done
about it!
Enough is Enough
It’s alright for MPs they claim for their ferry fares on their expenses.
Persons holidaying in the UK can visit Dorset, Devon and Cornwall
to name a few places
NO FERRY FARES TO PAY!, BLISS
If the cost of fuel rises, so will the ticket prices, what’s it got to do the the middle man, the ferry companies. Why would it be otherwise.
The Mid East situation will inevitably increase costs.
But thanks to Labour, with Milibands nonsensical green levy. Ferry costs for English ferries will increase.
Makes one wonder if it is all planned.
Ye like £300 return plus isn’t enough all ready..absolute scam.£50 each way is too much..bloody floating turd is £2.50 now..
Cheaper to buy a Dinghy and travel across the solent.
May also get free 5 star accommodation when you arrive in
Pompey
Lol
“Katy Taylor, has offered to meet Mr Williams to discuss his feedback”
We have had decades of discussion and the end result has always been empty words, fare increases and a poorer service.
There is absolutely no reason to think that any new discussion would be any different.
Unless the government to at the very least acknowledge that we are an Island and that the ferries need to be both properly regulated and fairly priced things will only continue to get worse.
Whilst it’s good to see the MPs getting involved they have, so far at least, still achieved no more than their predecessors so yes, sadly a petition is necessary.
MPs couldn’t undo a packet of crisps between them
we saw that the way they handled the pandemic.
All bollocks Rach from accounts loves it £35million more a week to fund migrunts..so that’s nice..