- 12 March 2026
Air & Ocean Market Update | Middle East
12 March 2026
Rising Fuel Surcharges
Due to the ongoing situation in the Middle East and heightened risks around the Strait of Hormuz, a key route for oil and gas transport, fuel prices continue to increase. In response, ocean carriers are introducing Emergency Fuel Surcharges (EFS) and bunker related adjustments, while airlines are adopting similar pricing strategies.
Current market impacts include:
- Emergency Fuel Surcharges across multiple trade lanes
- Immediate surcharges and pricing increases from airlines
- Retroactive application on certain ocean shipments, depending on carrier policy
- Frequent adjustments as bunker prices move
- Variations in timing and applicability between carriers
The situation remains fluid; however, we wanted to provide customers with an update on the latest developments.
Oceanfreight
Ocean carriers - including CMA CGM Group, MSC, Maersk, ONE, and Hapag Lloyd - have already implemented these charges, in some cases retroactively on cargo in transit. Additional carriers are expected to follow, and some have indicated that surcharge levels may continue to adjust in real time as fuel costs fluctuate.
EFS announcements received to date include:
| Shipping Line | NZ Trade Region | Direction | USD per TEU (dry cargo) |
USD per TEU (reefer cargo) |
Applicable Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CMA CGM | Australia & Pacific Islands |
Export to/from AU/Pacific Islands to/from NZ |
$75.00 | $90.00 | 1 April 2026 |
| CMA CGM | NZ Coastal | Regional | $127.00 | $152.00 | 2 April 2026 |
| CMA CGM | Rest of World | Import to NZ | $150.00 | $180.00 | 16 March 2026 |
| CMA CGM | Rest of World | Export to NZ | $75.00 | $90.00 | 1 April 2026 |
| Hapag Lloyd | Australia | Export to / Import from | $70.00 | $100.00 | 23 March 2026 |
| Hapag Lloyd | Rest of World | Export NZ to Europe | $160.00 | $255.00 | 23 March 2026 |
| Hapag Lloyd | Rest of World | Export NZ to North America, LATAM, AU |
$70.00 | $100.00 | 23 March 2026 |
| Maersk | Asia to NZ | Import from Asia | $200.00 | $300.00 | 25 March 2026 |
| Maersk | Australia | Export from NZ to Australia |
$100.00 | $150.00 | 25 March 2026 |
| Maersk | Europe to Oceania | Europe to Oceania | $100.00 | $150.00 | 25 March 2026 |
| Maersk | NZ Coastal | Regional | $100.00 | $150.00 | 25 March 2026 |
| Maersk | Oceania to USA | Export from Oceania to USA | $200.00 | $300.00 | 25 March 2026 |
| MSC | Europe | Import from EUR to NZ and AU | $200.00 | $300.00 | 16 March 2026 |
| MSC | Oceania | Export to/from NZ to/from AU |
$166.00 | $249.00 | 11 March 2026 |
| ONE | Asia / Oceania / Pacific Island |
Export to Asia / Import from Asia |
$160.00 | $210.00 | 25 March 2026 |
Airfreight
Airlines are also responding quickly, with multiple notices received regarding immediate fuel surcharge increases. Please find below an update on recent developments affecting global airfreight pricing. The ongoing instability continues to impact aviation fuel markets and airline operating costs. As a result, Air New Zealand, American Airline and Malaysian Airlines have announced immediate pricing adjustments. We anticipate additional airlines will implement similar increases in the short term.
Below is a summary of what we have received from the airlines so far:
| Airline | Effective Date | Change Type | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Malaysian (MH) | 12 March 2026 | FSC (Fuel Surcharge) Increase (now added to freight rate) |
$1.00/kg to Asia except China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Korea and Japan $1.25/kg to China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Japan, Korea & Indian Sub-Continent $1.50/kg to Japan and Korea $3.05/kg to the Middle East & Europe |
| American Airlines (AA) | 13 March 2026 | VSC (Variable Surcharge) Increase | New VSC levels applied to NZ-origin freight; NZD 42.00 / NZD 0.37/kg Charged as MON / PER KG on the chargeable weight |
| Air New Zealand (NZ) | 16 March 2026 | Fuel-Driven Market Rate Increase | $0.05/kg -> Domestic $0.10/kg -> Australia & Pacific Island $0.25/kg -> Long Haul North America, Canada & Asia $0.50/kg -> Long Haul NZ Interline to Europe |
Local Transport
Delivery and pick-up pricing is also impacted by variable fuel surcharge increases that will apply at different levels across the regions where services are executed. Customers are advised to expect additional costs as these region-specific fuel surcharges are passed through.
Suggested Action
At this stage, please continue to book international shipments as normal. Your Mainfreight Customer Service, Sales and Operations Teams are well placed to update you with the latest information and offer alternative ways of routing your freight if required.
Our team are actively engaging with our overseas network offices, shipping lines, and airlines to assess the impact across each service and trade lane. For customers who may have affected shipments currently in transit, your local Mainfreight representative will be in contact to:
- Provide visibility on any applicable surcharge changes
- Review impacted shipments
- Discuss options for upcoming bookings and supply chain planning
We will continue to monitor developments closely and share updates as new information becomes available.
9 March 2026
Recent geopolitical events—specifically, the escalating conflict in the Middle East—have introduced a significant “war premium” into global energy markets. As a result, fuel prices have increased sharply across the transportation sector in both the United States and worldwide.Current reports indicate that U.S. retail diesel prices have risen to approximately $3.90 per gallon, up from $3.40 late last year. If disruptions persist, projections suggest potential increases toward $4.50–$5.20 per gallon. This sharp rise is directly linked to instability around the Strait of Hormuz, a critical trade corridor through which 20% of the world’s oil supply is transported.
Beyond diesel, we are also seeing significant upward pressure on bunker fuel (used in global ocean shipping) and aviation fuel.
- Bunker fuel prices have risen due to tightening global supply and increased risk premiums affecting ocean carrier operations.
- Aviation fuel prices have climbed in parallel, with jet fuel being directly sensitive to crude oil disruptions and refinery output constraints. These increases impact airlines and airfreight providers globally and may lead to adjustments in aviation fuel surcharges.
As an international transport and logistics provider delivering air, sea, and domestic road freight services, we are closely monitoring these developments. Where necessary, we will communicate transparently with our customers regarding any required adjustments to fuel surcharges across all modes — road, ocean, and air.
5 March 2026
We would like to keep you updated on the ongoing situation in the Middle East. Mainfreight remains committed to ensuring your supply chain continues to run as smoothly as possible. Our teams across all regions are staying in close contact with carriers and industry bodies so we can keep you well informed.The current disruptions in the Middle East are affecting both sea and air freight for many businesses. Our teams are here to support you and can help identify alternative options where needed.
Airfreight
Please note that the situation will impact delivery times. With major global air cargo hubs such as Dubai, Doha, and Abu Dhabi currently closed, airlines are being forced to take longer and less efficient routes. This is expected to have a flow on effect on air freight rates. Even once Middle Eastern airspace reopens, it may take several weeks for operations to return to normal. We appreciate you’re understanding and patience during this time.
Other Regions Impacted
North America
Northern American carriers have been affected, with passenger demand increasing, resulting in cargo offloading, as passengers take priority. This will have a flow on effect across the network.
Asia
Asian carriers are currently experiencing sharp rate increases, with spot pricing to major European hubs, such as Amsterdam, London, and Frankfurt. Some cost relief may be possible by routing through less congested European airports or alternative pathways.
Major Suspensions
- Qatar Airways, Emirates, and Etihad have suspended all flights to and from Australia.
- Several international carriers, including Lufthansa and IAG Cargo, have paused regional operations.
- Airspace across Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, the UAE, and Qatar is currently closed.
- Airlines are rerouting via Central Asia (Almaty, Tbilisi, Istanbul), resulting in payload limits and delays.
Port & Gateway Status
- Jebel Ali (Dubai): All four DP World terminals are operating as normal with additional security measures in place.
- Abu Dhabi & Ruwais: Ports managed by AD Ports remain open and fully operational.
- Strait of Hormuz: Commercial traffic is currently limited, which is affecting vessel movements in the area.
- Kuwait: Port Shuaiba has reported an isolated incident near a civilian operations area; however, ports across the region continue to operate under standard high security procedures.
Carrier & Booking Restrictions
Maersk & Hapag Lloyd: Both carriers have temporarily paused transits through the Strait of Hormuz and Bab el Mandeb as a precaution.
Hapag Lloyd: A temporary booking stop is in place for cargo to/from the UAE, Iraq, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, and select ports in Saudi Arabia and Oman.
MSC: New bookings for cargo destined for specific Middle Eastern locations are currently on hold.
CMA CGM: Vessels in the Persian Gulf have been instructed to adjust positions in line with updated safety guidelines. Emergency operational measures are being implemented including possible vessels deviations to contingency ports.
Operational Impact & Costs
Rerouting: Some vessels are being diverted around the Cape of Good Hope, which may extend transit times by roughly 10–14 days depending on the service.
Emergency Operational Measures: Carriers are enacting emergency measures which can involve discharge of containers at the nearest safe port. This may result in extra costs.
Additional Surcharges: Several carriers have introduced temporary War Risk Surcharges ranging from $1,500 to $3,500 per container.
Insurance: Certain insurers have adjusted or paused war risk coverage in the region, which may influence sailing schedules.
Fuel Pricing: Global fuel prices have risen due to changes in regional supply dynamics. BAF adjustments are expected across several trade lanes.
While full details are still emerging, please rest assured that we will continue to provide timely updates as the situation evolves and more information becomes available.