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Fuel prices hit French
Page 13
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THERE IS INCREASING evidence that operators across the Channel are struggling to cope with rocketing fuel prices.
The French magazine Transport Info reports that French diesel prices have soared by 19% over the past 12 months, matching the 2000 peak.
It says many French hauliers have demanded a fuel surcharge from their clients, quoting reefer specialist Jean-Paul Perrin as saying that 95% of his customers have accepted a surcharge.
The article adds that the fuel prices have virtually wiped out any benefits of increased activity as the French economy struggles to pull itself out of recession. French trade associations are now appealing to their government to come up with an acceptable solution.
Transport Info also rounds up the effects of the price rises elsewhere in the EU: • Spanish hauliers have received governmental help with their fuel costs • Dutch operators have added 4% surcharges to their bills • Belgian operators have found it hard to pass rising costs onto customers • The German trade association BGL has warned its members that they should negotiate rises with customers or face going out of business.