Equipment suppliers are bracing themselves for increased costs after pallet supplier Associated Pallets announced a temporary fuel surcharge on deliveries, highlighting the growing impact of global energy prices on the sector.

In a notice sent to London-based supplier Electrocoin, the company stated: “Due to the continued increase in fuel costs driven in part by ongoing conflict in the Middle East, we regret to inform you that a temporary fuel surcharge will be applied to all deliveries, effective from 13 April 2026.”

Associated Pallets, which manufactures and supplies new and used wooden pallets and accessories nationwide, said it could no longer absorb rising transport costs. The communication added: “We have previously absorbed these costs but it is not sustainable for us to continue to do so.”

The surcharge will be set at 11 percent of delivery charges. For the industry, which depends on logistics to move machines, parts and equipment, the added expense is likely to place further strain on margins already under pressure.

The company stressed that “this decision has not been taken lightly” and confirmed the surcharge would be reviewed in line with fuel price fluctuations. It also noted that the charge applies only to transport, meaning customers who collect orders will not be affected.