Barbadians should brace to pay more for a range of imported items.
On this occasion the imposition is being driven by external circumstances.
The international ocean transportation company Seaboard Marine is charging more because of an increase in the United States Domestic Fuel Surcharge (USDFS).
Andrew Bynoe of A1 Supermarkets said he would be passing that cost on to consumers.
“Consumer prices in Barbados, especially food with very small net returns, will increase due to increased freight rates. We have been advised by a shipping company that effective March 1 there will be an additional 23 per cent fuel surcharge on cargo leaving the main US ports.
“As a result we can expect an increase in food prices. In effect the 23 per cent fuel surcharge will be compounded by duty, VAT, NSRL (National Social Responsibility Levy) and the two per cent foreign exchange levy.”
Bynoe, who operates the Carlton as well as Emerald City Supermarkets, said he was simply responding to the news and was not worried about any backlash as it was not something restricted only to him. (CA)
Please read the full story in today’s Weekend Nation, or in the eNATION edition.
