Guam - A major shipping company will increase its fuel surcharge rates in late February for Guam and the CNMI. The Pacific Business News reports that Matson Navigation Co. made the announcement Friday that the fuel surcharge will go up by 28%. The rate hike is reported to be a 4.75% increase from the previous 23.25% charges. Hawaii is also expected to be given a 26.5% increase.

Maston Senior VP Dave Hoppes states that this is the first increase the company has made since February 2010. He adds that the company actually lowered its fuel surcharge twice in July and September of last year.

The increase is slated to occur on February 27.