Rising Oil Prices Signal Higher Distribution Costs for Retailers, Manufacturers

NEWARK, N.J., Jan. 31, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- A steady rise in diesel fuel prices over the past two months, even before unrest in Egypt pushed oil prices near $100 a barrel, is raising distribution costs for retailers and manufacturers and spreading concerns that the inflationary pressure could undercut economic growth momentum, reports The Journal of Commerce.

(Photo:  http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20110131/NY39210 )

Ship lines' bunker fuel costs have topped $500 a barrel this year, nearly double recession levels, and direct diesel fuel prices across the U.S. have grown on average 60 cents a gallon over the past year. In raw commodities, the Industrial Price Index -- jointly produced by The Journal of Commerce and the Economic Cycle Research Institute -- reached a 53-week high the week of Jan. 21, up 33 percent over its 52-week average.

The Industrial Price Index is a leading indicator of economic cycles, and the higher pricing signals improving industrial demand that generally precedes an upswing in the economy.

But logistics and transportation industry officials are concerned higher oil prices that trigger fuel surcharges will raise supply chain costs. "Energy prices go up and down, and the volatility hides the fact that the long-term trend is up," said Larry Lapide, research affiliate at Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

Climbing gasoline prices between December and January contributed to a drop in the Reuters/Michigan consumer sentiment index in mid-January. According to JOC Economist Mario Moreno, U.S. consumer spending growth, excluding gasoline and other energy, is reduced $11 billion per every 17-cent increase average gasoline prices for all grades rise above $2.90 per gallon. If they reach the 2008 prices of $4 a gallon, consumer spending on non-fuel purchases would fall $60 billion, or 6.5 percent, he said.

This week's Cover Story, written by Senior Editor Joseph Bonney, examines how the critical fuel cost issue is impacting supply chain decisions and strategy planning for the coming year.  

To view daily news visit www.joc.com. For all media enquires, including article reprints, please contact Editorial Director Paul Page.

Since 1827, The Journal of Commerce has been the most trusted source of intelligence for international logistics executives to help them plan global supply chains and better manage day-to-day transportation of goods and commodities in the United States and internationally.

To become a member of The Journal of Commerce click here. JOC members have access to our weekly print and digital magazine and Web site, as well as a 10% discount on all JOC events and trade shows, UBM Global Trade Directories and select PIERS products. Authoritative editorial content in the form of daily news, weekly analysis and regular features ensure our members have the information and data necessary to understand the issues facing trucking, rail and maritime transportation. Members enjoy access to "By the Numbers," an exclusive weekly compilation of key industry statistics that provides detailed views of current market trends across all modes. Regular market intelligence reports -- utilizing PIERS trade data -- include Top 100 Imports and Exporters, quarterly Top 40 Container lines, Trans-Pacific and Trans-Atlantic Maritime Forecasts and Top Container Ports and Terminals. Market-sector supplements, including Breakbulk, Cool Cargoes, 3PL, JOC Guide to Trucking and others, ensure all modes are comprehensively covered.  

About UBM Global Trade - UBM Global Trade is the leading provider of proprietary data, news, business intelligence and analytical content supporting commercial maritime, rail, trucking, warehousing and logistics industries worldwide. The company's portfolio of more than 100 online, print and interactive workflow business solutions includes The Journal of Commerce, Breakbulk, RailResource, PIERS and an array of international trade and transportation databases and directories. UBM Global Trade, a subsidiary of United Business Media Limited, is headquartered in Newark, NJ, with offices throughout the United States. For more information, explore www.ubmglobaltrade.com or call 800-952-3839 (+1-973-776-8660 outside the U.S. or Canada).

CONTACT: Paul Page, The Journal of Commerce, Editorial Director, +1-202-355-1170, [email protected].

Available Topic Expert(s): For information on the listed expert(s), click appropriate link.

Joseph Bonney

https://profnet.prnewswire.com/Subscriber/ExpertProfile.aspx?ei=55881

SOURCE The Journal of Commerce

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