Recent moderation in bunker fuel prices has prompted Matson to decrease its fuel-related surcharge by 3.5 percentage points.
Recent moderation in bunker fuel prices has prompted Matson to decrease its fuel-related surcharge by 3.5 percentage points.
The decrease takes the surcharge from 43.5 percent to 40 percent for its Hawaii service and from 40 percent to 36.5 percent for its Guam/CNMI and Micronesia services. The decrease is effective Sunday, according to the company.
Matson’s last adjustment to its fuel surcharge in October was an increase of 4.5 percentage points. There were also two consecutive decreases in June and July, which totaled 6.5 percentage points.
“We are pleased to make this downward adjustment to our fuel surcharge, which for most customers represents a reduction in shipping costs ranging from $80 to $140 per container,” said Dave Hoppes, senior vice president of ocean services. “We have been encouraged by the recent moderation in bunker fuel prices, and remain focused on diligently exploring ways in which we can maximize fuel efficiency for our Hawaii and Guam services. Matson has made a practice of giving 30 days notice for upward rate adjustments, but passes on downward adjustments to our customers as soon as possible. We will continue to monitor fuel costs and adjust the surcharge accordingly.”