No fare increase request from rail operators amid higher fuel costs: PTC

Rail operators SBS Transit and SMRT have not requested to raise fares in relation to rising fuel costs arising from the situation in Iran, a Public Transport Council (PTC) spokesperson said on Mar. 27 in response to Mothership's queries.

PTC added that fares are reviewed yearly, and energy prices are considered during this exercise.

Apart from energy prices, year-on-year changes in core consumer prices and wages are also factored into fare adjustment calculations.

"In considering the eventual fare adjustment, PTC will balance fare affordability concerns with the rising costs faced by public transport operators," the spokesperson said.

Public transport fares were last adjusted in December 2025, with an increase of nine to 10 cents for adult passengers, or about five per cent.

While bus fares are collected by the government under the Bus Contracting model, rail fares go directly to rail operators.

Supply disruptions, rising prices

Fuel prices have been on a climb ever since the outbreak of conflict in the Middle East on Feb. 28, with the U.S. and Israel launching airstrikes against Iran.

Both sides have been trading airstrikes since, with a number of them striking oil fields and refineries in the Gulf region, resulting in damage that would take years to repair.

Disruption of shipping traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, through which a fifth of the world's oil and gas passes, has also contributed to fuel supply shortages.

In Singapore, fuel prices have risen over the past weeks.

Queues have formed at pumps offering cheaper prices, such as at Cnergy stations, which is operated by Union Gas.

Household electricity contract prices have also gone up.

Supply lines remain open: Jeffrey Siow

On Mar. 26, Minister for Transport Jeffrey Siow acknowledged that fuel prices have risen and the Middle East situation does have an impact on the transport sector.

However, Siow noted that Singapore's stockpiles are not being eroded and that its supply lines remain open.

Siow said: "We are watching it very closely to see whether there’s a need for us – meaning the government – to make an intervention later. We will continue to monitor the situation and consider doing so at a later juncture."

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