Fresh Produce Prices Soar as Fuel Surcharges Hit Food Supply Chains
Surging fuel costs due to global conflicts are forcing fresh food distributors to add new fees, driving up consumer prices for seafood, produce, and other perishable goods.
As the ongoing conflict in Iran continues to drive up global fuel prices, fresh food distributors across the United States are being forced to implement new surcharges to offset the skyrocketing costs of transporting perishable goods from distant suppliers. This move is having a significant impact on the prices that consumers are paying for a wide range of fresh produce, seafood, and other food items.
The situation is particularly acute for food products that are imported from overseas, such as seafood harvested in remote locations. Distributors responsible for getting these items to market are now tacking on additional fees of up to 10-15% to the standard shipping costs, in an effort to keep their operations viable in the face of rising fuel prices.
{{IMAGE_PLACEHOLDER}}Source: The New York Times
