There’s a lot happening globally right now that is affecting how raw materials move, how they’re priced, and how predictable supply is. This page is meant to break it down simply, share what we’re seeing, and help you plan accordingly.
Updated: May 20, 2026.
Like many industries, we are experiencing sustained increases in fuel costs driven by ongoing global events. The higher fuel costs are currently affecting both inbound and outbound freight operations.
If the current conditions continue for an extended period, there is potential for reduced carrier capacity, as well as longer lead times and impacts to on-time reliability.
At the same time, we continue to monitor global barley markets, including potential Australian planting impacts related to geopolitical developments. While any disruption in global supply could increase demand for North American barley, we remain confident in our ability to meet your needs and we are proactively managing our supply chain to ensure continuity and reliability.
In April 2026, RahrBSG implemented a Fuel Surcharge Adjustment to offset fuel costs not already accounted for in per-pallet or contracted bulk rates. We will continue to closely monitor fuel trends, make adjustments as rates change, and remove the Fuel Surcharge Adjustment if conditions improve.
How this may impact you:
Invoices for pallet orders shipped from our warehouse include a Fuel Surcharge Adjustment based on the number of pallets and any fuel costs not already accounted for in the rate per pallet.
Invoices for bulk malt orders include a Fuel Surcharge Adjustment reflecting increases in rail and trucking fuel costs above the contracted diesel baseline. Trucking fuel adjustments began in April, while rail fuel adjustments will begin in June due to the railroads’ delayed fuel surcharge update schedules. You may receive products from alternative warehouses or via different carriers as we optimize our logistics network for efficiency and cost management.
At this time, we do not anticipate immediate impact on ingredient availability. As mentioned above, if the current situation continues for an extended period, reduced carrier availability may become a factor, and you may receive products from alternative warehouses or via different carriers as we work to optimize our logistics network for efficiency and cost management.
However, we do anticipate increased demand for North American barley. Combined with potential fertilizer constraints and rising input costs, this may pressure future acreage, yields, and quality, contributing to tighter supply and upward pricing pressure across the malt and brewing supply chain into 2027.
Our barley procurement, ingredient supply chain, and logistics teams are working with our supplier partners to proactively plan for demand and manage inventory with a safety buffer across our distribution network to mitigate the current uncertainty.
Our priority remains delivering the high level of service and reliability you expect, even as external pressures evolve. We will continue to closely monitor fuel trends, make adjustments as rates change, and keep you informed.
There is much that is outside of our control - some things that we can do are to help one another plan ahead and to keep in touch.
With the potential for fewer carrier options, one of the most effective ways to manage freight costs and ensure product availability for your brew is to plan with additional lead time.
An increased demand for North American barley coupled with rising fuel and fertilizer costs may affect crop availability and bulk malt pricing. If you have not yet booked your malt for 2027, we encourage you to contact your sales representative as soon as possible.
Please contact your customer service or sales representative with questions or concerns.