Matson Inc., the state’s largest ocean cargo carrier, said Monday it will lower its Hawaii fuel surcharge by 2 percentage points to 35.5 percent as a result of declining bunker fuel prices.

The price change, which will take effect Sunday, will be the second consecutive decrease in less than two months. The carrier reduced its surcharge for the mainland-Hawaii trade to 37.5 percent in November, from 42.5 percent.

"We are pleased to be able to make this downward adjustment to our fuel surcharge, which for most customers represents a reduction in shipping costs ranging from $40 to $70 per container," said Dave Hoppes, senior vice president, ocean services, for Matson. "We have been encouraged by the recent moderation in bunker fuel prices, and remain focused on diligently exploring ways in which we can maximize fuel efficiency for our fleet."

Matson also is lowering its fuel surcharge for its Guam/Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands and Micronesia services by 2 percentage points to 36 percent and 41 percent, respectively. Those decreases also are effective Sunday.

Although the fuel surcharge is going down, Matson announced in November that it will raise freight rates to and from Hawaii by 5.4 percent effective Jan. 4.

The increase means it will cost an extra $225 per westbound container and $110 per eastbound container.

Matson, which handles about two-thirds of all goods shipped to Hawaii, said moderately higher rates are a way to offset rising operating costs and help pay for investments in equipment without undercutting service quality.