---

Global container shipping lines are raising freight charges and imposing new surcharges as fuel prices climb, adding fresh pressure on Bangladesh’s import and export costs.

Leading carrier Ocean Network Express has introduced an Emergency Fuel Surcharge (EFS) across major global routes, a move set to inflate trade expenses amid ongoing supply-chain disruptions.

Surcharge hits all major routes

The new surcharge applies to both dry and refrigerated containers across key trade lanes linking Asia with Europe, North America, Africa, Latin America, the Middle East and Oceania.

Under the revised rates, dry containers will face an additional $160 for 20-foot units and $320 for 40-foot units. For refrigerated containers, the surcharge rises to $210 and $420 respectively.

Industry insiders say the move reflects mounting pressure from higher bunker fuel prices and geopolitical tensions disrupting global shipping routes.

Bangladesh trade under strain

For Bangladesh, heavily reliant on imported raw materials, machinery and industrial inputs—mainly from China and other Asian markets—the higher freight cost is expected to squeeze businesses further.

Export-oriented sectors, particularly apparel, are likely to feel the চাপ as logistics costs climb.

A business leader said shipping lines are increasing rates in line with global fuel price hikes. “This will directly raise costs, and any domestic fuel adjustment will intensify the pressure,” he added.

Exporters face uneven impact

Exporters operating under Free on Board (FoB) terms may avoid direct freight costs, but those under Cost and Freight (C&F) arrangements will have to absorb the বাড়তি expenses—likely passing them on to consumers.

Businesses warn that rising freight charges, combined with higher domestic transport costs and longer transit times, could erode competitiveness and disrupt supply chains.

Middle East tensions worsen outlook

Ongoing instability in the Middle East, particularly around the Strait of Hormuz, has sharply increased freight rates and disrupted shipping schedules.

Vessels are being rerouted via longer routes such as the Cape of Good Hope, extending delivery times by up to 15 days.

Shipping costs on key routes have already surged. On the China-Bangladesh corridor, freight has jumped by more than $500 per container on top of existing rates of $1,450–1,500.

Shipments to Middle Eastern destinations have seen even steeper hikes, with costs to Jeddah rising from around $2,000 to $5,000 per 20-foot container.

Exporters also report container shortages as vessels shift routes, further complicating logistics.

Risk of Covid-era spike

Traders warn that if the conflict persists, freight rates could spike to levels seen during the pandemic, when costs soared from around $4,000 to as high as $18,000 per container.

“Freight rates are rising due to the war, and this is creating concern among businesses,” said an importer. “If the crisis deepens, the cost burden will increase further.”

Global concerns deepen

The World Trade Organization has warned that the global trading system is facing unprecedented disruption.

Its chief said the scale of current challenges signals a fundamental shift in the global economic order.

Meanwhile, the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development has downgraded growth forecasts for Europe and projected higher inflation as energy prices surge.

With nearly 20% of global energy shipments passing through the Strait of Hormuz, continued disruption threatens to keep freight rates elevated—adding sustained pressure on Bangladesh’s trade and economic outlook.