Worldscale Rates Down Slightly for Year

On the whole there will only be small downward changes in the 2002 Worldscale Flat rates compared to those for 2001. The reason for this is only a small reduction ($6.50) in the world wide average price for bunker fuel used in the 2002 Worldscale Schedule, and a fairly stable US Dollar. Most changes will be in the -2% to 0% range with only a few marginal increases. The worldwide average price for bunker fuel (380 cst) in the period 1st October 2000 to 30th September 2001 is $143.25, and this is the assumption upon which the 2002 WS Flat rates are based, compared with USD 149.75 for the 2001 Schedule. The Worldscale Schedule for 2002 will be issued mid-December and will take effect on 1st January 2002. A notice indicating some of the changes will be issued mid-November. (Source: INTERTANKO News)