For half a decade, H.H.V. Whitchurch & Co. Ltd, the official local agent of inter-island ferry service FRS Express des Îles, has absorbed the constant volatility of global fuel markets to keep passenger ticket prices stable. That policy comes to an end this spring, as the firm announced this week that mandatory fare adjustments will go into effect starting March 31, 2026, driven by a dramatic recent spike in global fuel costs.
In an official public statement released Tuesday, the company outlined the years of internal cost-cutting that allowed it to shield customers from shifting energy expenses. Despite those efforts, the latest, unrelenting round of fuel price increases has left leadership with no viable alternative to raising fares, the statement explained.
“Over the past five years, fuel cost fluctuations have been absorbed without impacting fares; however, after careful consideration, this adjustment has become necessary to ensure the continued delivery of safe, reliable, and high-quality service,” the statement read.
Whitchurch was quick to clarify that the decision to raise fares is not an internal initiative, but a response to external market pressures outside the firm’s control. In a message to loyal customers, the agent sought to reassure passengers that service quality will remain unchanged despite the price adjustment.
“As your agents, we would like to reassure you that this decision is beyond our control and despite this change, FRS Express des Îles remains your trusted choice for safe, comfortable and dependable island-to-island travel,” the company added.
The statement closed with a note of gratitude for passengers’ patience and ongoing support as the company navigates the transition to the new fare structure.