News|US-Israel war on IranYemeni ports face shipping fee hike amid Iran conflictYemen’s government rejects new shipping surcharges, as fears grow of humanitarian crisis.

Mukalla, Yemen – International shipping companies have implemented fees of approximately $3,000 per container for goods bound for Yemen, identified as "war risk" fees. This development has raised concerns about potential increases in the cost of imported goods and food within Yemen.

Yemen relies on imports for nearly 90% of its essential commodities. Economists and humanitarian organizations have expressed concerns that increased shipping and insurance costs could lead to higher prices for fuel, food, and other goods, exacerbating the already severe humanitarian situation.

The transport minister of Yemen's internationally recognized government, Mohsen al-Amri, has stated that the imposed fees should not apply to ships currently docked at Yemeni ports or those en route to the country, asserting that the ports are safe.

Abdulrab al-Khulaqui, deputy chairman of the Yemen Gulf of Aden Ports Corporation, reported that Yemeni ports are classified as high-risk, which has previously justified war-risk surcharges. These charges typically range from $500 for a 20-foot container to $1,000 for a 40-foot container. However, the current $3,000 fee is considered unusually high.

The Yemeni government is considering measures to pressure shipping companies to cancel the new fees, including restricting the docking of vessels from those companies at Yemeni ports. Additionally, traders may directly negotiate with exporters in originating countries to manage any additional charges.

Due to regional conflicts, there is potential for disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, affecting supply routes from hub ports like Jebel Ali in the United Arab Emirates. This may lead to shipping companies seeking alternative routes, potentially increasing costs and causing delays.

Alternative regional hub ports such as Salalah in Oman or Jeddah in Saudi Arabia may be considered if disruptions occur. Shipping lines might also reroute cargo via the Cape of Good Hope instead of the Gulf.

The United Nations has highlighted the worsening humanitarian situation in Yemen, noting that approximately 65.4% of the population will need urgent humanitarian assistance and protection services in the current year. This reflects an increase of around 3.5 million people compared to the previous year.

The World Food Program has reported that 63% of households in Yemen are struggling to meet their minimum food needs, with 36% facing severe food deprivation.

Overall, the increased shipping costs and potential supply chain disruptions present significant challenges for Yemen, which is already facing a dire humanitarian crisis.

Based on reporting by Al Jazeera.