MANILA, Feb. 19 -- Fuel surcharge, extra fees that airlines may collect in addition to the base airfare, will increase for the first time this year to Level 6 for March from the current Level 5.

The Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB) previously downgraded the fuel surcharge by one notch for February and January.

CAB Legal Division chief Wyrlou Samodio said the rise in fuel surcharge does not automatically mean the airfare would also increase as this would depend on the airlines.

The fuel surcharge, he said, balances the welfare of both the airlines and the passengers when prices of things essential to flight operations increase. Should airlines increase the airfare, the rate should not go beyond the matrix allowed by the CAB, Samodio said....