For subscribers

Why diesel prices are the real concern for the economy

Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox

Most consumers are concerned with the price of petrol but it’s the even sharper increase in diesel that has businesses on alert.

Most consumers are concerned with the price of petrol, but it’s the even sharper increase in diesel that has businesses on alert.

PHOTO: BLOOMBERG

Google Preferred Source badge

Mr Roger Conner sells firewood for a living, but he might know just as much about another energy source: diesel. The fuel powers every step of the supply chain for his company, RC Conner Enterprises.

In a normal year, he spends roughly US$6,800 (S$8,700) a month on diesel. Now it is about US$11,000. To absorb some of the cost, he has added a 5 per cent fuel surcharge; when customers saw that, several walked away.

See more on