Yemen’s government has rejected newly imposed war‑risk shipping surcharges after international shipping companies notified importers of additional fees of about $3,000 per container bound for Yemeni ports, officials and traders said on Saturday. The move is raising fears of higher food and goods prices in the war‑torn country.
Shipping firms have historically applied smaller “war‑risk” fees on vessels entering Yemeni waters, but the recent jump to roughly $3,000 per container has prompted strong pushback from the internationally recognised government in Aden. Transport Minister Mohsen al‑Amri said he instructed that existing ships already at Yemeni ports or inbound should not pay the extra charges and insisted that Yemen’s ports remain operational and safe.
Economists and humanitarian groups warned that because Yemen imports nearly 90 % of its food and essentials, increased freight and insurance costs could quickly translate into higher prices for fuel, food and other basic goods for Yemeni consumers.
The surcharges come as the conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran disrupts major maritime trade routes, including routes through the Strait of Hormuz and Red Sea shipping lanes, complicating logistics in the region.
Government officials are reportedly exploring measures to pressure carriers into rescinding the fees, including possible restrictions on docking rights for vessels that enforce them.