The Globe and Mail reports in its Thursday, May 21, edition that independent grocery store owner Yousef Traya, of Bridgeland Market in Calgary, understands the financial pressures driving suppliers to raise prices. The Globe's Susan Krashinsky Robertson writes that Mr. Traya says: "We're all feeling it. Everything comes on a truck, ship or plane, so we're inevitably affected." Last month, suppliers like Maple Leaf Foods, Tree of Life and Unilever informed grocers about upcoming fuel surcharges and cost increases due to the Middle East conflict affecting global oil supply and prices. As surcharge notices increase, independent store owners are concerned about unfairly bearing extra fees. Canada's largest grocery chains are resisting added charges from suppliers. Loblaw chief executive officer Per Bank said last month they are "fighting back on price increases" and have successfully pushed back on fees. Metro and Sobeys parent Empire have also declined surcharge requests. By contrast, because independent grocers lack the size and market power of the retail giants, they say refusing supplier cost increases can lead to stopped shipments, and that they do not have the same ability to negotiate.