The Manitoba Trucking Association today expressed concern over the latest round of fuel increases, which saw the price of diesel fuel jump to its highest level in over two years.
Driven primarily by the ongoing unrest in the Middle East, particularly the oil-producing state of Libya, as well as crude oil reserve forecasts that were lower than expected, the price of diesel fuel jumped along with the price of unleaded fuel last Thursday. In and around the City of Winnipeg, diesel has been reported as high as $1.159/litre, a nearly .10¢ per litre jump from last week.
Bob Dolyniuk
“Fuel is one of the largest cost factors for trucking companies,” says Manitoba Trucking Association Executive Director Bob Dolyniuk, “with the slim profit margins that exist under normal conditions; trucking companies are not able to absorb the increased cost of fuel. Trucking companies will be increasing their fuel surcharges to adjust for this increased cost. Unfortunately, this cost will be passed on to the shipper public and ultimately the consumer.”
The increase in fuel prices is a double-edged sword for the average consumer as not only will it cost more to get to the store, but also prices will be exponentially higher upon arrival. With conflict in the Middle East expected to rage on, higher fuel costs may once again be the norm, with promises to pinch Manitobans not only at the pump, but at the register as well.
The Manitoba Trucking Association exists to develop and maintain a safe and healthy business environment for our industry members.
For more information contact:
Bob Dolyniuk Executive Director Phone: (204) 632-6600 E-mail: [email protected]
