Surcharge on the way as ferry fuel costs spiral

For the second time in three years, anyone travelling on Orkney’s internal ferry services faces a five per cent fuel surcharge — as rising costs leave the company facing a black hole in its budget.

Uncertainty surrounding the future price of oil left Orkney Islands councillors at today’s policy and resources committee meeting with little choice but to introduce the surcharge, although several elected members questioned whether all potential cost saving avenues had been explored.

The five per cent increase, on all tariffs, will be introduced as soon as possible and will also be levied on customers who buy ticket books in bulk.

The new tariffs will be implemented as soon as possible thanks to emergency powers granted to the chief executive.