BOC Fuel Surcharge – Important Update

We have been made aware that BOC recently issued a communication directly to some university end-users regarding the introduction of a fuel surcharge from 13 March. This communication was issued in error and should not have been sent ahead of formal approval and UKUPC member communication.
• The surcharge has now been suspended
• Any affected accounts will receive a full credit within 5 working days
We have addressed this directly with BOC to ensure this does not happen again.
Temporary Fuel Surcharge (From 16 April)
Following further discussions with BOC, a temporary fuel surcharge will be introduced from 16 April 2026:

• £3 – Cylinder and Cryospeed deliveries
• £22.50 – Bulk deliveries

This reflects current market pressures and has been agreed following detailed
review.
• The surcharge will be reviewed monthly
• First potential change: 1 May 2026 (aligned for the HE sector)
• Members will receive advance notice of any changes
Please note: There is no profit element included in the fuel or helium surcharges.

Helium Surcharge BOC

Given the escalating military situation in the Middle East around the Straits of Hormuz, we have been informed by BOC of a requirement to implement a temporary operational surcharge on Helium with immediate effect from today, March 10th.  Attached is a copy of the letter being distributed to end-user customers today which provides further geopolitical context and how the suspension of operations at Qatari oil-refineries is unfortunately affecting the supply of Helium which is a by-product of Liquid Natural Gas production.

I can confirm the surcharge for any quantity of product delivered is £1.03 per m3 (please refer to BOC’s website for surcharges by cylinder size & product type at bocgases.co.uk/charges) and is applicable until further notice.  BOC are keen to emphasise that currently there are no plans to enter an allocation event and that there are stocks available, with the surcharge being applied to recover their additional costs incurred from supply chain disruptions, with no additional profit being made.

Please be assured that UKUPC will be working closely with BOC to update the sector with any changes that may occur given this is a constantly moving picture.

Continuing disruption in the Middle East may affect some technology and electronics supply chains. Potentially exposed products include semiconductors, batteries, computing equipment, audiovisual products and specialist electronic components.

Impacts will vary depending on where products and components are manufactured, the shipping routes used and the availability of alternative stock. Members should treat these as categories to monitor rather than assume that shortages or delays will affect every supplier.

Members planning technology purchases, equipment installations or major projects are advised to:

• Confirm product availability and expected lead times before placing an order.
• Avoid committing to installation, launch or project dates until delivery times have been confirmed.
• Ask suppliers whether key components or shipping routes are exposed to disruption.
• Discuss suitable alternatives where the specified product has a lengthy or uncertain lead time.
• Identify orders that are business-critical or linked to fixed academic, construction or operational deadlines.
• Request a written explanation for any proposed surcharge, price increase or change to an agreed delivery date.
• Contact the relevant NWUPC Category Manager if a significant supply issue affects a Framework purchase.

Members should continue to work through their appointed suppliers and refer to current supplier communications for order-specific information.

Conflict and changing security conditions in the Middle East may affect passenger travel and air-freight services. Disruption can extend beyond the region when airlines alter routes in response to airspace restrictions, airport closures or security concerns.

Possible impacts include:

• Flight cancellations or schedule changes
• Longer journeys caused by aircraft rerouting
• Reduced passenger and freight capacity
• Changes to connections and transit arrangements
• Increased fares or air-freight charges
• Delays to time-sensitive or high-value deliveries

Business travel

Members arranging business travel should:

• Check current Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office advice for every destination and transit country.
• Consult their appointed travel management provider before booking or changing travel.
• Confirm airline schedules and airport arrangements shortly before departure.
• Review institutional travel approval, insurance and traveller-safety requirements.
• Avoid making non-refundable arrangements where the journey remains uncertain.
• Ensure travellers have appropriate emergency and out-of-hours contact details.

See the Government’s foreign travel advice by country for the latest official information.

Air freight

Members expecting time-sensitive goods by air should confirm current delivery arrangements with the supplier or freight provider. Particular attention may be required for pharmaceuticals, laboratory products, electronics, specialist components and other high-value or operationally critical goods.

Any proposed air-freight surcharge, alternative delivery method or significant change to agreed terms should be provided in writing. For purchases through an NWUPC or UKUPC Framework, Members should contact the relevant NWUPC Category Manager if assistance is required.

Continuing disruption across the Middle East is affecting some international shipping routes, ports and freight services. Restrictions in and around the Strait of Hormuz, alongside continuing disruption affecting the Red Sea and Suez Canal, may result in vessels being rerouted or services being temporarily changed.

Where alternative routes are used, Members may experience:

• Longer and less predictable delivery times
• Changes to shipping routes or ports
• Reduced freight capacity
• Increased fuel, insurance and transportation costs
• Additional carrier or supplier surcharges
• Delays affecting goods manufactured in or transported through the Middle East and Asia

The extent of any disruption will depend on the supplier, product, country of origin and transportation route. Members should avoid assuming that all products or contracts will be affected in the same way.

Continuing disruption in the Middle East may affect some construction and industrial supply chains through changes to energy prices, shipping routes, freight capacity and transport costs.

Potentially exposed products and materials may include:

• Steel and aluminium
• Cement and related building materials
• Chemicals and industrial gases
• Plastics, insulation and other petrochemical-derived products
• Mechanical and electrical components
• Imported fixtures, fittings and specialist equipment

The level of exposure will vary between products and suppliers. Members should not assume that all construction projects, suppliers or materials will be affected.

Members managing construction, refurbishment or estates projects are advised to:

• Confirm product availability and lead times at an early stage.
• Ask suppliers to identify materials with potentially disrupted supply routes.
• Review the effect of delays on project programmes and dependent works.
• Consider technically suitable alternatives where particular materials are unavailable.
• Request written evidence supporting any proposed surcharge, price increase or change to delivery terms.
• Check the relevant Framework, call-off contract and agreed price-adjustment provisions before accepting additional costs.
• Contact the relevant NWUPC Category Manager if a significant issue affects a Framework purchase.

Members should maintain open communication with contractors and suppliers, particularly where materials are required for time-sensitive, safety-critical or business-critical works.

UK sanctions relating to Iran may affect procurement activity involving particular individuals, organisations, goods, technology, ships and financial transactions.

Members should continue to apply proportionate due diligence when purchasing goods or services with a potential connection to Iran or other sanctioned parties. This may include checking:

• The identity and beneficial ownership of suppliers, subcontractors and intermediaries
• Whether an organisation or individual appears on the UK Sanctions List
• Banking arrangements, payment routes and the financial institutions involved
• Shipping companies, vessels, ports and countries of transit
• The origin, destination and intended end use of goods or technology
• Whether products include restricted goods, components or technology
• Whether a proposed transaction requires a licence or other authorisation

Sanctions may apply even where Iran is not the immediate supplier or destination. Members should therefore consider the wider supply chain, including intermediaries and the ultimate destination or end use of relevant goods and technology.

For current requirements, refer to the Government’s Iran sanctions guidance and the UK Sanctions List.

If a potential sanctions issue is identified, Members should pause the transaction and seek advice from their institution’s legal, compliance or finance team before proceeding. NWUPC can assist with questions relating to the relevant Framework, but cannot provide legal advice on an individual transaction.