Bunker fuel and container rates keep reefer freight costs high for Gulf importers

Fuel-driven surcharges and route disruption are still lifting the landed cost of frozen cargo into the Gulf

Ocean freight costs on Middle East routes remain well above their level at the start of 2026. The global 20-port average price of very low sulphur fuel oil (VLSFO), the bunker grade used by most container ships, reached US$901.50 per tonne on 17 September 2026, up from US$543.50 on 27 February, according to marine fuel price publisher Ship & Bunker — having peaked at US$1,053 per tonne on 20 March. Reuters reported the same day that ship crossings of the Strait of Hormuz remain in single digits, and that the spot rate from China to the US East Coast had returned to pandemic-era levels at US$10,948 per 40-foot container (Xeneta data), more than quadrupling since the conflict began on 28 February.

Frozen and chilled poultry travels in temperature-controlled equipment, where the fuel and power component sits on top of the standard ocean rate. That makes importers of animal protein more exposed to bunker surcharges and transit-time changes than shippers of dry cargo.

• Price the surcharges, not just the ocean rate. Bunker adjustment factors move with fuel prices. Ask your carrier or forwarder for the current all-in figure before fixing a CIF or DDP price.
• Book earlier than usual. Longer routings and re-routing absorb both equipment and slot capacity; early bookings protect reefer availability and the planned arrival date.
• Consolidate into full reefer loads. Fixed fuel, handling and documentation charges are spread over more tonnes in a full 40-foot reefer container than in a part load — typically about 28 tonnes for frozen poultry.
• Confirm cold-chain details in writing. Temperature set-points, reefer plug availability and any transshipment legs should be agreed in advance, since every additional leg raises the risk of a temperature excursion.

Nau International Food Group, based in Dubai, supplies frozen poultry raw materials — chicken breast, leg quarters and whole birds — to importers, wholesalers and food-service distributors. Shipments are covered by halal, HACCP, origin and veterinary/health documentation, and we can arrange customs clearance into Dubai for onward distribution. For specifications and current offers, write to info@naufoodgroup.com.

Source: Reuters, “Ocean container shipping rates could test record highs as Iran war fuel spike drives rise” (17 September 2026), citing Xeneta freight rate data and Ship & Bunker fuel price data.