A lower coastal diesel price has resulted in Transnet Port Terminals (TPT) reducing its Fuel Neutrality Charge from R78 to R52 per container from August 1, with shipping lines beginning to pass the savings on to customers.
Maersk has advised customers that it will reduce its Port Additional Export (PAE) and Port Additional Import (PAI) charges following TPT's Fuel Neutrality Implementation announcement issued on July 1. The revised charges apply to shipments with a Price Calculation Date (PCD) of August 1.
TPT introduced the Fuel Neutrality Charge in May to recover the cost of diesel used to power container-handling equipment, including rubber-tyred gantry cranes, straddle carriers, terminal hauliers and generators. The charge is reviewed monthly according to the prevailing coastal diesel price.
The July 1 coastal diesel price of R23.91 per litre triggered a reduction in the Fuel Neutrality Charge to R52 per container, effective for vessels berthing from August 1, according to Hapag-Lloyd.
The charge was introduced at R52 per container in May before increasing to R78 per container in June after the coastal diesel price moved into a higher pricing band. The August adjustment reverses that increase, providing modest cost relief for cargo owners moving goods through South African container terminals.
