Independent Grocers Struggle with Fuel Surcharges

0:00Independent grocers are getting hit hard by new fuel surcharges from suppliers thanks to the war in the Middle East choking off oil at the straight-of, Hormuz. These add 15-50 dollars per truckload and some suppliers are tacking on 10-15% extra or baking it into product prices. Smaller stores like Vence's Market North of Toronto order less, but more often they keep shelves stocked, so these fees stack up fast compared to big, chains. Small prices are spiking shipping costs everywhere, but independence feel the pinch deepest arm-frequent small deliveries. Grocers are pushing back by picking up their own fresh produce like Vence's driving 100 kilometers round trips several times a week or hunting. Better deals. Whirl spots in Prince Edward Island report shipment delays of days to a week as truckers skip unprofitable routes, costing them sales and labor, mismatches. Let's say this will push grocery prices higher soon, especially for imports Canada relies

1:01on, though the government's 20-week fuel tax pause. Starting Monday saves 10 cents per liter on gas and four cents on diesel. Indies have flexibility to switch suppliers or cut transport heavy items to adapt. For now, most are absorbing the hits without raising shelf prices, staying calculated to keep customers loyal amid the squeeze. From your city, powered by AI, this is Canada News Today, I'm Corey with The Story.