---
title: Container Rates Increase as Hormuz Closure Drags On
description: Container freight rates continue their upward rally for the fourth straight week. The disruptions caused by the Iran war in the Middle East and attendant high fuel prices are severely affecting global shipping.
image: https://news.mtflogistics.com.au/hubfs/container2-2.jpg
---

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# Container Rates Increase as Hormuz Closure Drags On

![Daniel](https://app.hubspot.com/settings/avatar/d41d8cd98f00b204e9800998ecf8427e)

 Daniel

April 7, 2026

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Container freight rates continue their upward rally for the fourth straight week. The disruptions caused by the Iran war in the Middle East and attendant high fuel prices are severely affecting global shipping.

Weekly increases in container freight rates on the Asia-Europe and Transpacific trades are attributed to broad-based tightening conditions. Carriers have pushed rate hikes further into April. However, capacity remains steady amid the price momentum.

Carriers are more reliant on pricing discipline rather than capacity cuts, evident from fewer blank sailings on the Asia-Europe trades.

Freight rates were also higher on transpacific lanes, climbing 3% on the Shanghai-New York and 4% on the Shanghai-Los Angeles lanes. The modest increase indicates supply-side management as carriers balance demand and cost pressures.

The crisis in the Strait of Hormuz is responsible for the rate increases. 20% of global oil supplies pass through the strait. Bunker fuel availability has tightened greatly, which is pushing prices higher.

Fuel constraints are being felt in major Asian bunkering hubs, such as Singapore and China, which have forced carriers to adjust operations. Some preferred measures include alternative refueling strategies, slow steaming, and emergency fuel surcharges to address rising costs.

Spot rates are predicted to continue rising in the coming weeks as uncertainties persist and energy market pressure.

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