In a move that could end up costing its collective customers millions of dollars, Superior Propane has begun charging a hazardous materials handling fee.

According to a notice sent out on Superior's receipts, the company began charging a 'hazardous materials handling fee' of $3.95 for every delivery as of March 31.

'Effective March 31, 2006, Superior will introduce a hazardous materials handling fee of $3.95 on every delivery to all customers,' the notice says.

'We are committed to protecting the health and safety of all employees, our customers and the public through safe storage, handling and transportation of hazardous materials.

'The fee offsets the rising costs of ensuring Superior maintains the highest industry standards in training, certification and emergency response processes for the handling of hazardous materials.'

Superior, according to its 2003 annual report, has approximately 300,000 customers and 1,800 employees.

Superior communications advisor Ally Sutherland said this morning from Calgary the cost hike represents an increase in the cost of doing business.

It was added as an extra cost in the interests of being up-front with customers, Sutherland said.

'What it is, is rather than jacking up the price secretly, we want to be open and transparent about it.'

She said the new revenue will be spent on costs associated with 'increased training, 'certification of sites, and emergency responses.

'(We added it as an extra cost) so people would know what they're paying for,' Sutherland said.

Dale Coolidge, of the city's Supersave Propane, said Thursday his company is not adding an extra fee and has no idea why Superior would be adding one.

'We've never heard of this. We're not doing it,' he said.

'I don't really understand where this is coming from.'

Coolidge said he's not aware of any higher costs that would necessitate an extra fee. He said he's interested in learning the reasons behind Superior's extra charge.