Tropical Shipping attributed the increase in bunker surcharges on cargo to volatility in global fuel prices and the cost of maintaining its transportation services. Photo: The Nassau Guardian

The shipper said it will increase the surcharge on a 20-foot dry container by $25, or 11.1 percent, from $225 to $250. The charge for a 40-foot dry container will rise by $50 – from $450 to $500.

Refrigerated cargo will face larger dollar increases. The surcharge on a 20-foot refrigerated container will rise by $40 to $400, while the fee for a 40-foot refrigerated container will increase by $80 to $800. Both represent increases of 11.1 percent.

Bahamas Trade Commission Chairman Barry Griffin said the commission is concerned about the effects of higher international transportation costs on the domestic economy.

“We are concerned about the pressures that rising shipping and fuel costs place on Bahamian businesses and consumers,” Griffin said.

“These pressures are largely driven by international developments beyond the control of a small market such as ours.”

Tropical attributed the increase to volatility in global fuel prices and the cost of maintaining its transportation services.

“To continue providing the highest quality, on-time shipping services, and in response to the volatility in global fuel costs, effective November 8, 2026, Tropical Shipping will increase the bunker surcharge,” the company told customers.

The surcharge on equipment larger than 40 feet will increase by $73, or 14.4 percent, from $506 to $579 – the largest percentage increase listed in the announcement. Vehicles not exceeding 700 cubic feet will attract a $250 surcharge, up from $225. The rate for larger vehicles and breakbulk cargo will rise from $11.25 to $12.50 per short ton or freight ton. Less-than-container-load cargo will also be affected. The charge for each 100 pounds will increase from $0.56 to $0.62, while the cubic-foot rate will rise from $0.28 to $0.31. The surcharge on barrels will move from $4.22 to $4.69 each, while the charge per pallet will increase by $2.50 to $25.

As an import-dependent country, The Bahamas remains particularly exposed to movements in international freight and fuel costs. Higher shipping charges can increase landed costs for food, building materials, vehicles, household products and other imported goods, depending on whether businesses absorb the additional expense or pass it on to consumers.

Griffin said prolonged instability in the oil market has continued beyond earlier expectations, with consequences for transportation and logistics globally.

“The Bahamas is also experiencing those effects, and we understand the challenges businesses are facing,” he said.

“The situation fluctuates daily, and our team is constantly monitoring developments and remains on hand to provide advice and support.”

Griffin said the commission is prepared to engage private sector stakeholders and relevant government agencies to assess the pressures and consider practical responses.

However, he cautioned that the commission is not yet prepared to announce an intervention.

“At this stage, however, it would be premature to indicate any specific measures,” Griffin said.

Tropical said it remains committed to providing customers with competitive transportation value and thanked clients for their support throughout its more than 60-year history.