{"id":122017,"date":"2026-03-13T20:42:56","date_gmt":"2026-03-13T23:42:56","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/shipping.einnews.com\/article\/899267091\/tqSIuLvY1sMCF8gz"},"modified":"2026-03-13T20:42:56","modified_gmt":"2026-03-13T23:42:56","slug":"shipping-lines-levy-surcharge-as-bunker-fuel-prices-surge","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/new7.shop\/zerocostfreehost\/index.php\/2026\/03\/13\/shipping-lines-levy-surcharge-as-bunker-fuel-prices-surge\/","title":{"rendered":"Shipping lines levy surcharge as bunker fuel prices surge"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Exporters will have to shell out more to move cargo by container ships as major global shipping lines levy emergency fuel charges amid a sharp spike in bunker fuel prices due to the West Asia conflict-induced closure of the Strait of Hormuz.<\/p>\n

The additional charges range between $100 and $200 per TEU (twenty-foot equivalent unit) depending on trade routes, and add to freight costs.<\/p>\n

Price of bunker fuel \u2014 oil used to power ships \u2014 has surged 35 per cent over the past week, crossing $1,000 per metric tonne at key bunkering hubs like Singapore, Hong Kong, Fujairah and Long Beach. <\/p>\n

Rates vary per company<\/h2>\n

Danish shipping major Maersk said the evolving security situation in West Asia continues to create significant challenges for logistics and supply chains.<\/p>\n

Nearly 20 per cent of global fuel shipments passes through the Strait of Hormuz, and the current situation around the strait has affected access to marine fuel globally, the company said.<\/p>\n

\u201cTo safeguard cargo integrity and maintain the stability of our network \u2014 including ensuring fuel availability for cargo movements \u2014 we are taking additional proactive operational measures,\u201d it added.<\/p>\n

Maersk has introduced a temporary emergency bunker surcharge (EBS) to offset the rising costs and supply risks associated with marine fuel. The surcharge covers impacts related to fuel availability, cost and mix that are not addressed by its existing fossil fuel fee (FFF) mechanism.<\/p>\n

The surcharge will be $200 per TEU for long-haul trades and $100 per TEU for intra-regional services, the company said.<\/p>\n

German shipping line Hapag-Lloyd also announced the introduction of a similar surcharge across trade lanes.<\/p>\n

The new surcharge, the company said, will cover extraordinary expenses not included in the existing marine fuel recovery (MFR) charge.<\/p>\n

For long-haul routes such as India to Europe or the US, the EFS will be $160 per TEU for dry containers and $225 per TEU for refrigerated containers (reefers). For intra-regional trades, the charges will be $70 per TEU for dry containers and $100 per TEU for reefers.<\/p>\n

The surcharge will apply to sailings commencing March 23, 2026, except for shipments under the US Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) scope, where the charge will take effect from April 8, 2026, said the company.<\/p>\n

Meanwhile, French container carrier CMA CGM said that its EFS will range between $75 and $130 per dry container, effective March 16.<\/p>\n

The additional cost will be borne by the sea freight payer, adding further pressure on exporters already grappling with disruptions in global trade routes.<\/p>\n