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Container Lines Impose New Fuel Surcharges as Middle East Tensions Drive Bunker Costs Higher

Major ocean carriers are rolling out fresh emergency fuel surcharges following a sharp spike in bunker prices tied to escalating hostilities in the Middle East. CMA CGM announced surcharges effective August 1, charging $150 per teu for dry cargo and $165 per teu for refrigerated shipments on long-haul routes, with reduced rates of $75 and $90 respectively on return legs. ONE and Maersk have similarly announced increases. ONE's revised charges of $75 per teu for dry goods and $100 per teu for reefers take effect August 15. The carrier noted it would adjust rates as market conditions evolve. Maersk implemented its emergency surcharge July 22 across Nordic trade lanes. Container freight rates from India to the Persian Gulf have climbed 40-50% as vessel capacity tightens and service disruptions persist.