The Cabinet’s media center has denied news about ships taking different routes other than the Suez Canal after a decision to increase crossing fees through the Egyptian waterway as of January 2023.

The center, in a statement Friday, said it had contacted the Suez Canal Authority (SCA), which dismissed the reports as baseless.

The SCA adopts a balanced and flexible pricing and marketing strategy that achieves the best interests of both the authority and the clients.

The SCA defended its decision to increase crossing fees though, saying it comes in light of market variables that affect maritime transport.

It cited a continued rise in vessel charter rates, expecting it to further increase next year.

The SCA also blamed the reported increase in its crossing fees on growing global inflation rates, which translated into upped operation, maintenance and navigation service costs at the Suez Canal.

The Cabinet’s media center urged all media outlets to verify any information from official sources so as not to circulate false news.

Source: State Information Service Egypt