The cost of taking a ferry is increasing later this month.

BC Ferries is introducing a temporary 5-percent fuel surcharge, on Tuesday, June 16, in response to sustained increases in global fuel prices.

The increase is intended to help manage current fuel volatility now and reduce the risk of larger fare pressures later. It will apply across all BC Ferries routes.

In a news release, the company said global fuel prices have increased more than 40 percent since early March, driven largely by instability and conflict in the Middle East, and ongoing concerns related to the Strait of Hormuz.

The company says it has used a fuel deferral account to absorb increases, but they’ve reached a point where a temporary surcharge is needed.

If fuel prices stabilize or decline for a sustained period, BC Ferries says the added cost will be reduced or removed.

To see the full news release, visit BC Ferries.