A nationwide survey by CBS Co-operative has revealed that New Zealand builders are under immediate and growing pressure from rising fuel and freight costs, with the impact accelerating fast across the industry. Completed by hundreds of members nationwide, the survey found over 84% have felt moderate to significant impact from fuel price increases in just the past 30 days, hitting hardest through travel to and from site, delivery and freight charges, and flow-on supplier price rises. Despite 67% of builders reporting suppliers have already introduced fuel-related surcharges of up to 30% or more, over 60% are still absorbing the extra cost themselves rather than passing it on to clients. CEO Carl Taylor warns the trend is especially dangerous for businesses locked into fixed-price contracts, with profit margins and cashflow identified as the biggest risks ahead. Read the full survey results.