Last month, we notified you of a planned 10% surcharge on all pipe and fittings due to ongoing market conditions.

Following further review, we have elected not to apply the planned 10% surcharge at this stage and will continue to monitor the situation throughout the remainder of the month before making any further decisions.

Whilst availability has improved slightly, raw material pricing still remains well above historical levels and continues to place pressure on operating costs and margins across the group. At present, we are continuing to absorb a substantial proportion of these additional costs internally.

We are hopeful that the market will continue to stabilise over the coming weeks and that feedstock pricing will continue to reduce. However, much will depend on supply conditions and the reopening and normalisation of shipping routes through the Strait of Hormuz.

Should market conditions fail to improve sufficiently, and if feedstock pricing does not reduce in the near term, we will have no alternative but to proceed with the planned 10% surcharge on pipe and fittings.

Due to ongoing supply uncertainty, we are also continuing to manage stock allocations carefully. Current lead times are approximately three weeks, and larger volume orders may be subject to review based on current stock holdings, incoming material availability, and genuine project requirements. Each order will therefore be reviewed on its own merits to ensure fair supply across our customer base.

Our intention remains to avoid passing these costs on wherever possible and we will continue to review the situation closely throughout the month.

Please note that this decision does not affect the 4.5% surcharge being applied to VESDA equipment, which will still come into effect on the Monday the 11th of May 2026.

Thank you for your continued support and understanding. We will keep you updated as the situation develops.