Langkawi ferry services cut due to soaring diesel costs after Aidilfitri

Ferry services to Langkawi will soon operate less frequently due to rising diesel costs. Operators have announced a reduction from five to three daily trips after Aidilfitri. The move comes as fuel prices on the island remain higher than in other major Malaysian destinations.

Industrial diesel in Langkawi now costs more than on other major islands in Peninsular Malaysia. Before the recent surge, the price stood at 0.795 USD per litre as of 16 March 2026. Despite this, ferry fares on the route remain lower, at 88 sen per nautical mile.

Ferry companies from Peninsular Malaysia, Sabah, and Sarawak recently met with the Ministry of Transport. They requested approval for additional charges to offset the higher fuel expenses. A final decision on these proposed surcharges is still pending.

In response to the financial strain, operators have confirmed a temporary cut in services. The original schedule of five daily crossings will drop to three after the Aidilfitri holiday.

The reduction in ferry trips aims to manage rising operational costs while awaiting government approval for fare adjustments. Passengers travelling to and from Langkawi will face fewer options until further notice. The Ministry of Transport has not yet announced when a decision on the additional charges will be made.