Guild raises prices

In a stunning announcment from the Guild directors, the nobility and great schools of the Empire learned of significant increases in the prices for the coming years shipping fees. Accross the board rate increases have been put into effect which raises the prices that everyone wishing to do business in the Empire must bear. In some cases these increases can amount to more then a 300% hike that leaves many of the smaller houses wondering how they will manage to keep doing business.

Not only have the base rates gone up but the Guild will no longer accept payments on a monthly basis. Instead they are now opting for a yearly plan, or, if a customer is willing to pay a hefty markup, two payments to cover the years charges. To their credit, the Guild directors are offering a spice for services program but it is unlikely at this time that it will have many takers. For the time being anyway the credit that they are offering for melange does not equal the cost of purchasing the spice at the CHOAM markets.

Since the Guild still holds the monopoly on space travel, which gives them a strangle hold on all commerce, there is no doubt that everyone will have to give in to their demands or risk financial ruin. So far there has been no official comment from CHOAM, the Landsraad or the Throne on this matter. One can assume though that on a matter of such signicance to the economy of the Empire that some word will be forthcoming.