KUALA LUMPUR - Ferry services between Batam in Indonesia and Singapore have been reduced due to rising fuel costs linked to the conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran.

Despite fewer trips, more Singaporeans are visiting Batam to buy cheaper groceries and daily goods as prices rise at home.

At the Batam Centre International Ferry Terminal, a Majestic Fast Ferry officer said daily trips to HarbourFront were reduced from 16 to 12, while services to Tanah Merah dropped from nine to four.

“The reductions were implemented to manage fuel costs,” a reservation officer, Diana, told The Jakarta Post on April 7.

Other ferry operators have also cut services, with Batam Fast reportedly reducing trips by about 40%.

A company officer said they are working with partner operators to ensure passengers can still travel despite fewer services.

“We are working closely with other ferry operators. Routes that we suspend are reassigned to our partners to ensure passengers can still travel,” Nova said.

Ferry operators have also increased ticket prices and added fuel surcharges to offset rising costs.

Passengers departing from Singapore now pay a SGD6 surcharge, while those leaving Batam pay Rp65,000.

Fares for routes from Batam to Malaysia have also risen, with round-trip tickets increasing to about Rp867,000.

Even with higher prices and fewer trips, Batam continues to attract more Singaporean visitors due to its lower cost of living.

As of February, Batam recorded 257,928 international arrivals, with most visitors coming from Singapore.

Monthly arrivals rose 3.7% from January to February, while year on year figures increased by 24.5%.

Batam Mayor Amsakar Achmad said the island is becoming a popular option for Singaporeans seeking affordable goods.

“Batam has become a preferred choice for Singaporeans to purchase essentials at competitive prices.

“This trend has accelerated following the sharp rise in fuel costs in Singapore,” he said.

A local taxi driver said he now transports about 10 foreign visitors daily from the port to markets due to the growing demand.

“Passengers arrive on the ferry with large, empty suitcases and return with them filled with groceries such as chilies, salted fish and other essentials.

“Those who come to buy daily necessities usually head back to Singapore by late afternoon or evening,” Suhardi said.

However, lawmaker Bane Raja Manulu warned that the trend may create competition between locals and visitors for basic goods.

He said Singaporeans’ stronger spending power could make it harder for local residents to afford daily necessities.