A worsening fuel-cost environment and continued disruptions across global shipping networks are forcing ocean carriers to impose substantial inland and intermodal surcharges on cargo moving between India and Africa. The additional charges are being introduced to offset rising bunker fuel expenses, inland transportation costs, and operational disruptions linked to instability in key energy supply routes.
The report notes that carriers are increasingly passing these higher operating costs on to shippers through emergency fuel surcharges and inland cost recovery mechanisms. Shipping lines have cited volatile fuel prices, vessel schedule disruptions, and elevated insurance and logistics costs as the primary reasons behind the latest surcharge increases.
For Indian exporters serving East and Southern African markets, the new surcharges are expected to increase overall logistics costs significantly, particularly for cargo that relies on extensive inland transportation beyond port gateways. Industry stakeholders warn that the added costs could affect the competitiveness of Indian exports in several African markets, especially for low-margin commodities and manufactured goods.
The surcharge wave forms part of a broader trend across global container shipping, where carriers are introducing emergency and fuel-related charges to cope with heightened geopolitical risks and energy-market volatility. Shipping companies continue to monitor fuel prices and regional security developments, indicating that the surcharges may remain in place until operating conditions stabilize.
