12 March 2026

Global Shipping Update: Fuel Surcharge Adjustments

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:

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 summary of what we have received from the airlines so far:

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. Regional updates can be found on our website here

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.

For further information on this

As always, please reach out to your local Mainfreight representative if you’d like to understand or discuss any of the above solutions.

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