Brief
UAE freight costs climb three‑to‑fivefold after Hormuz disruptions
The UAE National Association of Freight and Logistics says extra surcharges and longer routes have pushed cargo costs up to five times previous levels.
By Felo News Desk · Published
Dubai – The UAE National Association of Freight and Logistics said on Oct. 2 that shipping prices for cargo entering the Gulf have surged to roughly three to five times earlier rates after disruptions to the Strait of Hormuz.
The association explained that the rise does not reflect a jump in the basic ocean freight rate. Instead, war‑risk surcharges, emergency fees, higher fuel costs and the expense of moving containers over longer or more complex routes have driven up total bills. Ahmed Abdul Razak, vice‑chairman of the association and general manager of Maltrans Emirates, noted that land‑transport costs have also risen sharply.
Disruptions have forced some shipments to be off‑loaded at intermediate ports such as Khorfakkan, Fujairah, Sohar and Salalah, then moved overland to destinations like Jebel Ali. These diversions add customs clearance, road‑transport and fuel expenses. Reduced shipping capacity, cancelled sailings and limited space on remaining vessels have further widened price gaps between ports and routes.
Abdul Razak said costs have not yet fallen from recent peaks and that a return to normal maritime routes would help lower both transport fees and the extra surcharges now affecting shipments. Essential goods remain available in the UAE despite the higher costs.
Key facts
- Shipping costs into the Gulf have risen 300‑500% after Hormuz disruptions (gulfnews.com)
- The increase is due to war‑risk surcharges, emergency fees, higher fuel and longer routes, not higher base freight rates (gulfnews.com)
- Containers are being off‑loaded at ports like Khorfakkan, Fujairah, Sohar and Salalah and then moved overland (gulfnews.com)
- Reduced shipping capacity and cancelled sailings have widened price differences (gulfnews.com)
- Ahmed Abdul Razak said land‑transport costs have also risen sharply (gulfnews.com)
Sources
- [1] gulfnews.com — originally reported as “UAE shipping costs surge up to fivefold after maritime route disruptions”
