Fuel surcharges have not existed for years. There is an international surcharge, which is just a part of the the normal fare. It allows for more dynamic market based pricing. Fare differences of return vs outbound is a competitive / market based pricing technique. You are correct, many airlines do this. This the pricing structure of the industry. Market based pricing is the way the world operates and should not be a surprised. If prices are fully disclosed at purchase, you have the choice to pay or not purchase.