Maersk will raise its emergency fuel surcharge for inland transportation in the UK and Ireland to 20% from 12 October. Reuters reported the announcement on 8 October, linking it to the continuing Middle East conflict and pressure on fuel supply. The logistics group says it will review the surcharge regularly.
The decision specifically concerns inland transport. Reuters corrected its report to make clear that the 20% charge is not a uniform increase across all ocean routes or Maersk’s worldwide services. It should therefore not be read as a 20% increase in the total cost of importing raw materials.
PortNews reports that Maersk had separately announced a 10.6% UK intermodal fuel fee for road and rail services from 1 October. Certain bespoke pricing arrangements may carry different charges. Comparing that number directly with the new emergency surcharge, without checking the service and contract, would not establish a customer’s actual cost change.
Regional rates also differ. PortNews cited inland Store Door fuel charges of 14% in Denmark, 10% in Sweden and 20% in Estonia under the Nordic and Baltic arrangements. These differences show why the destination and inland leg matter when comparing delivered supply offers.
Market perspective
Editorial assessment: pigment and carbon black buyers should compare delivered costs with ocean freight, inland transport and fuel charges itemised separately. This report indicates cost pressure on specified European services; it does not establish the same percentage increase for Iranian imports or material prices.