Increased operational costs have prompted bunker barge operators in Panama to introduce a 'Barge Fuel Surcharge', according to a bunker supplier and trader active in the country.

The fuel surcharge will be implemented for all barge deliveries conducted on either side of the Panama Canal.

Peninsula Petroleum has announced it will apply the additional $900.00 fuel surcharge with effect from July 7.

It said the standard barge delivery fee, pipeline and pollution fee, and the weekend/holiday fee remain unchanged.

The standard bunker barge delivery fee is $5,700 for the first 500 metric tonnes and then an additional $2.60 per metric tonne above that.