MSC extends emergency fuel surcharge amid global fuel market disruption

MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company has announced the extension of its Emergency Fuel Surcharge (EFS) through April 30, 2026, citing ongoing disruption in the global fuel market linked to recent developments in the Middle East.

According to the company, the situation has led to a sharp increase in marine fuel prices worldwide and significantly altered the usual geographic distribution of fuel supply. As a result, bunker fuel availability has declined at several traditional sourcing locations, creating procurement challenges and increasing operational costs across its network.

The extended surcharge will apply to all cargo moving from the Mediterranean region — including the West Mediterranean, Adriatic, East Mediterranean, Greece and Turkey — as well as the Black Sea, with destinations in the Indian Sub-Continent, Red Sea and East Africa.

MSC confirmed that the surcharge levels will remain unchanged. For cargo originating from the West Mediterranean and Adriatic, rates are set at USD 100 per TEU for dry cargo and USD 150 for reefer cargo to the Red Sea. Shipments to East Africa will be charged USD 230 (dry) and USD 350 (reefer), while cargo to the Indian Sub-Continent will incur USD 150 (dry) and USD 220 (reefer).

For shipments from the East Mediterranean and Black Sea, the surcharge to the Red Sea is set at USD 75 per TEU for dry cargo and USD 115 for reefer cargo. Rates to East Africa stand at USD 175 (dry) and USD 260 (reefer), while cargo to the Indian Sub-Continent will be charged USD 110 (dry) and USD 170 (reefer).

The extension follows an earlier announcement made on March 25, 2026, and reflects MSC’s response to continued volatility in fuel supply and pricing conditions.