The chief executive of Brittany Ferries, which operates services from the UK to France, Spain and Ireland, has issued an update to passengers amid concerns over global fuel supplies. The cost and availability of fuel worldwide has been affected following US and Israeli strikes on Iran at the end of February, triggering a surge in oil prices and sparking anxiety for travellers.
Global Fuel Concerns
The severe disruption to the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial shipping route for oil, has been a major contributing factor. With no clear resolution in sight, holidaymakers planning summer getaways have grown increasingly worried about potential price increases or cancellations due to fuel shortages.
Christophe Mathieu, CEO of Brittany Ferries, provided an update on Tuesday, acknowledging the uncertainty caused by the war in Iran. He noted that prices at the petrol pump have soared as the Strait of Hormuz has been strangled, and energy costs are rising.
Reassurance for Passengers
Mr Mathieu stressed that while airlines have raised concerns about fuel shortages, this does not affect Brittany Ferries. He said: "Their warnings have concerned me, but they certainly do not affect Brittany Ferries and destinations served by sea. There is no chance that Brittany Ferries will run out of fuel. You can be 100% confident that we will get you to your destination."
Furthermore, the company will not add any fuel surcharge to holidaymakers' tickets. Mr Mathieu explained that the company took prudent steps to hedge the majority of fuel costs before the crisis began, setting a price in advance at around 70 dollars a barrel. This hedging strategy proved successful as prices rose significantly due to events elsewhere.
Commitment to Customers
Mr Mathieu expressed anger at other travel companies that use the war as an excuse to levy surcharges or cancel flights. He stated: "I want our vessels packed with holidaymakers this summer. Everyone should be confident that their holiday company will do the right thing. Firms must not pile on the pain of a gamble gone wrong by levying fuel surcharges."
He concluded by reminding passengers that destinations like Brittany, Cantabria, Cork and Guernsey are safe, beautiful and unencumbered by over-tourism, far from the centre of the conflict.
