B.C. Ferries will hike fares on most of its coastal routes in August, a few months ahead of schedule, due to skyrocketing fuel costs.

Fares will increase between 9.2% and 17.6% on 22 of the company's 25 coastal routes.

Corporation spokesman Deborah Marshall said yesterday that, like most major transportation operations, such as airlines, the privately managed, publicly owned corporation is facing huge increases in fuel costs.

Marshall said B.C. Ferries has seen its fuel bill triple over the last five years, from approximately $45 million in 2003 to an estimated $140 million this year.

Effective Aug. 1, fares on the three major routes between the mainland and Vancouver Island will increase by 10.3%. The vehicle charge of $43 jumps to $47.15 and the passenger fare will jump from $13 to $14.25 one way. Other route fares will jump 9.2% to 17.6%.