Council confirms no ferry fare increase as fuel prices fall

Extra fuel costs to be absorbed by Council to protect island residents; engagement with governments on this issue to continue

Passengers using Orkney Ferries have been given welcome news, as Orkney Islands Council has confirmed that due to falling fuel prices it will not add a surcharge - meaning fares will remain unchanged.

At the General Meeting of the Council on 6 May 2026, Councillors had agreed to delay a proposed temporary 10% fuel surcharge until 1 July, with its implementation subject to the continuing high level of fuel prices and the unavailability of additional external support.

These rising fuel costs are linked to events in the Middle East.

However, with fuel prices now easing to under 65 pence per litre - slightly below the level anticipated in the budget - the Council will not implement the fuel surcharge.

While Orkney Ferries has faced more than £186,000 in additional costs since April, the Council will absorb these costs rather than pass them on to customers, helping to support Orkney households and businesses.

The local authority leadership will continue to engage with both the Scottish and UK Governments to seek support towards these unprecedented additional fuel costs and in event of similar situations in future.

Fuel prices and the wider international situation will remain under close review.

Council Leader Heather Woodbridge said:

“Ferry connections between islands in Orkney underpin every aspect of life in our isles’ communities. These connections support access to Education, Healthcare, Employment and keep our people and economy moving. As fuel prices have eased in recent weeks, the Council does not require to introduce a fuel surcharge on ferry fares at this time.

“With the ongoing conflict in the Middle East resulting in unpredictable fuel prices, we will continue to engage with both Scottish and UK Government to ask for protection for our lifeline ferry services amidst this financial uncertainty, and where possible recover costs already incurred.  

“While we closely monitor the international situation, we also must ensure that our islands communities are protected by all levels of Government to ensure that essential ferry routes continue to remain affordable for our communities and business that rely on them.”