Fuel surcharges hike steel prices up
Steel consumers continue to feel the wrath of Katrina as fuel surcharges increase by as much as 22 percent this week.
Since the start of last week, many steelmakers have passed already high fuel surcharges to customers, as their transporters have passed high fuel surcharges to them.
US Steel raised its surcharge to 22 percent from 15 percent, Roanoke Electric Steel raised its toll to 20 percent from 15 percent; and Mittal Steel USA raised its surcharge to 17 percent from 13 percent.
Some shippers are paying as much as a 30 percent surcharge to transport products in addition to the $3 per mile carriers are charging to move their
freight.
Compared to one year ago, diesel fuel prices in the
US are up an average of 80 cents per gallon.