Maersk Raises UK & Ireland Inland Fuel Surcharges Amid Middle East Conflict

A.P. Moller Maersk has announced its decision to increase the emergency fuel surcharge on inland transport in Britain and Ireland to 20% from October 12, 2026.

The announcement comes as the U.S-Iran war is exerting pressure on global energy supplies, leading to shortages as ships remain stuck in the Strait of Hormuz, which handles one-fifth of the world’s oil and gas.

The Danish company involved in ocean shipping, inland logistics, and terminal operations said that soaring fuel prices have led to this decision since operating at previous prices has become unfeasible.

Maersk, however, added that the emergency fuel surcharge could be revised if fuel prices fluctuate and will be regularly reviewed.

The increase comes after Maersk kept its intermodal fuel fee for trucks and railways at 10.6% in the U.K. from October 1, 2026. This rate was announced in an advisory released on September 18, 2026.

Maersk added that increasing energy prices across the globe, caused by the U.S-Iran war in the Gulf and the Ukraine-Russia conflict, have put pressure on intermodal transport.

The company has also introduced emergency inland fuel and energy surcharges in other European regions as well. The charges differ from country to country, such as 14% in Denmark and 20% in Estonia, for inland Store Door shipments.

Based in Copenhagen, the company handles over 100,000 customers and operates in around 130 countries with over 100,000 employees. It undertakes container shipping operations, handles logistics, and has a network of over 60 container hubs across the world.