Ocean carriers are imposing emergency fuel surcharges amid soaring bunker prices linked to disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, but shippers are increasingly pushing back, arguing the fees risk becoming profit-driven rather than cost recovery. While carriers say rapid fuel price spikes justify additional charges beyond standard bunker adjustment factors (BAF), industry groups warn of “double-dipping” as both mechanisms are applied. Surcharges ranging from $30 to $300 per container have been introduced across major trade lanes, with some carriers passing costs on immediately while others initially absorbed them. The dispute highlights growing tension over transparency and fairness in pricing as volatility disrupts traditional fuel cost models.
