Middle East Conflict Hits Canadian Grocers Hard

0:00It's April 19, this is Canada News Today, local news powered by AI. A few weeks into the Middle East conflict choking oil supplies at the Strait of Hormuz, fuel prices are spiking and hitting small Canadian grocers, hard. Suppliers to places like Vince's Market North of Toronto are slapping on delivery surcharges of $15 to $50 per truckload to cover higher, shipping costs. Smaller independent stores order less, but more often to keep shelves stocked, so these fees add up quick and hit them harder than big chains. Some suppliers are tacking on 10 to 15% extra, or just baking the hikes into product prices across the board. Grocers are feeling the squeeze, with owners like Giancarlo Trimarchy, advances absorbing the costs for now to stay competitive. In Prince Edward Island, real spots like Tignish Co-op deal with shipment delays of days to a week as truckers skip unprofitable routes, messing with, sales and staffing. Food economists say grocery prices will rise overall,

1:02worse for items traveling far, but independence can adapt by switching to local deals or picking. Up their own produce like Vince's does, with 100 kilometer trips to wholesale markets. A government fuel tax pause starting Monday saves 10 cents a liter on gas and four on diesel, but it's just a bandaid. They're playing it cautious, watching if costs stick around before passing them on, knowing shoppers might bolt to cheaper spots if prices jump too. Fast.