It’s going to cost you a few dollars more to ride B.C. Ferries starting June 16.

The company says it’s adding a 5% fuel surcharge in response to a 40% increase in fuel costs since March. That rise comes amid supply problems resulting from the closure of the Strait of Hormuz amid the U.S. war against Iran.

The temporary surcharge, which will be applied across all B.C. Ferries routes, was authorized by the B.C. Ferry Commission.

The surcharge will increase the price for a vehicle travelling from Swartz Bay to Tsawwassen to $93.45 from $89, while a foot passenger on the same route will pay $22.05 rather than $21.

A trip from Victoria to Salt Spring increases to $53 for a vehicle, up from $50.45, and $13.10 for a foot passenger.

B.C. Ferries said it uses a fuel-deferral account to help smooth short-term fuel-price volatility so it doesn’t have to immediately pass the cost of sudden spikes directly on to customers.

While it has absorbed rising fuel costs in recent months, it said, fuel prices have continued to rise sharply and remain elevated, prompting the surcharge.

In a statement, Dallyn Willis, chief financial officer at B.C. Ferries, said the company has used the fuel deferral account to absorb the increases for as long as possible.

“But given the sharp and persistent rise in these costs, we’ve reached a point where a temporary fuel surcharge is needed. We’re taking this step to carefully manage those pressures in the most measured, gradual and responsible way possible while fuel prices remain elevated.”

B.C. Ferries said if global fuel prices stabilize or drop for a sustained period, the surcharge will be reduced or removed.

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