Indian exporters are staring at a sharp jump in logistics costs after major container lines slapped contingency or “emergency conflict” surcharges of up to 4,000 dollars per 40‑foot container on shipments caught up in the Strait of Hormuz shutdown.
Exporters say lines are demanding these surcharges even on consignments that sailed or reached Gulf ports before the US–Israel strikes on Iran, and in some cases are refusing to release cargo—especially perishables—unless the additional amounts are paid. The surcharges, linked to soaring war‑risk premiums, longer diversions and operational risks in the Persian Gulf and Red Sea region, come on top of already elevated freight rates and are squeezing margins for agri, seafood, textiles, engineering and chemical exporters shipping via JNPA, Mundra and Kochi.
Global lines including Maersk, CMA CGM and Hapag‑Lloyd have rolled out emergency or war‑risk add‑ons ranging roughly from 2,000 to 4,000 dollars per container for Middle East and Red Sea‑linked routes, with reefers and special equipment at the higher end. Indian industry bodies have raised the issue with the government, calling the charges “exploitative” in the middle of a crisis and seeking regulatory intervention and relief on financing and port‑storage costs.
