The cost of shipping containers from Shanghai has nearly doubled since the Iran war began early this year, with the Shanghai Containerised Freight Index rising from 1,333.11 points at the end of February to 2,571.73 points by late June 2026 [1]. Drewry’s World Container Index reflects a similar trend, showing spot shipping rates on East-West routes increasing from US$1,899 per 40-foot container in late February to US$2,800 by late May 2026, rising continuously for four weeks [1].
The price increases come amid a fuel crisis caused by uncertainties around crude oil supplies due to the U.S. and Israeli attacks on Iran and the effective blockade of the Strait of Hormuz [1]. Analysts expect shipping prices to climb further during the early peak season as the fuel crisis deepens with no clear resolution [1].
The trucking industry is also affected. In Japan, transport firms are supporting the introduction of fuel surcharges to deal with rising fuel costs caused by the Iran conflict. Yamato, a major transport company, announced on April 30 that it was considering adding a domestic fuel surcharge on corporate deliveries in response to these increased costs [2]. By early June, the Japan Times reported trucking firms backing fuel surcharges to offset the impact of the ongoing fuel price volatility linked to the Iran tensions [2].
The sharp cost rises highlight the global reach of disruptions in oil supply and transportation routes tied to the Iran conflict. The next updates on shipping indices and trucking surcharge decisions are expected as the peak shipping season unfolds in the coming weeks.
