Fuel surcharge will raise prices

GUAM – From the canned goods on store shelves to the furniture displayed in showrooms, the prices of many goods shipped to Guam will go up with the latest increase in the fuel surcharge announced yesterday by Matson Navigation Co.

Shipping companies levy fuel surcharges to help offset fuel-related costs.

Matson will raise its fuel surcharge in its Hawaii, Guam and Commonwealth of Northern Mariana Islands services from 15 to 18.5 percent effective April 2, according to news service, Business Wire.

The last increase the region saw was on Jan. 1, when the fuel surcharge went from 13 percent to 15 percent.

“While this 3.5 percent increase represents a very significant increase, no transportation company can ignore the serious impact of record high fuel prices and the volatility of the current world oil market,” said Dave Hoppes, senior vice president, ocean services.

Pacific Daily News