News / More misery for shippers with return of bunker surcharges on the radar

© Mariusz Bugno, Dreamstime.com

As oil prices head north again, ocean carriers are preparing to ramp up low-sulphur fuel surcharges to add to the misery of shippers struggling with sky-high freight rates, surcharges and premium fees.

Since early September, the price of Brent crude has increased by 41%, to $55 a barrel, with an 8% spike alone last week driven by Saudi Arabia’s pledge to cut output.

During the same period, heavy fuel oil (HFO), consumed by ships with exhaust gas scrubber systems, has increased by ...