Middle East conflict triggers rising Fuel Prices and Transport Fuel Surcharges

Ongoing conflict in the Middle East, specifically involving Iran, the US, and Israel has caused significant disruption to oil production and shipping, resulting in a sharp rise in global oil prices and subsequent fuel surcharges for UK transport providers.

Due to the instability, many UK road haulage providers have introduced or increased fuel surcharges, with some reporting adjustments of 15–20%, taking effect around 9th March, 2026.

UK average diesel prices reached a 16-month high in early March, with some carriers reporting fuel-related surcharge increases of 8% to 15% to manage rising operational costs.

Oil prices moved from roughly $60 per barrel in January 2026 to over $80 in early March, with some reports indicating spikes exceeding $100 per barrel as the conflict continued.

The situation is volatile, with the impact on fuel prices depending on the duration of the conflict. While some initial price spikes were reported, market analysts are closely watching for long-term disruptions.

Petrol and diesel prices: Find out the latest from RAC Fuel Watch >

Should you need an International Shipping quotation or have a consignment to book in, please click below…

Quote me

Ready to order now?

Excellent

International Freight Solutions Ltd5.0

See all reviews

review us on

Barry S.

Adam handled everything we needed for a quick delivery to Australia, the box was with us in less than a week, highly recommended.

Response from the owner:Many thanks Barry for taking the time to leave a great review for us - it is appreciated. Hope we can assist you again in the future

Jeff B.

Working with Catherine and IFS has been a breath of fresh air. Communication has been excellent, she keeps you informed throughout the entire process and makes something that others could easily make difficult feel… well, easy.

If you want someone who treats your shipment like it actually matters (because it does), Catherine is the one. Highly recommend, my stress level definitely approves 😄.

Response from the owner:Glad you are happy with our service Jeff. Cath's communication is great - she does like to talk!😆We appreciate your business and look forward to assisting you again.

Alan G.

when a friend whose first langauge is not English needed a parcel shipping to Canada at short notice the team especially Paul came up trumps and pulled out all the stops i highly recommend this company

Response from the owner:Many thanks for the great review Alan, always happy to assist.

Emily S.

Lots of help and advice when shipping a ceramic sculpture to Dubai. Very smooth service and speedy delivery. Will definitely recommend.

Response from the owner:Really glad you were happy with our service Emily - hope to assist you again soon.

Tony P.

Had 3 pallets to bring in from Greece. Sender was struggling with UK regulations. Spoke to one freight forwarder who just said 'can't help sorry' as their agent in Greece couldn't help. Was starting to worry until I found IFS. Google reviews looked good and when I spoke to Paul he couldn't have made things any easier. Pallets here safely within a couple of weeks, price cheaper than I was expecting and great communication throughout. Top top company.

Response from the owner:Hi Tony, thanks so much for the great review, we would be more than happy to help you with any further shipping requirements you have in the future!

Justin H.

I was engaged for rapid deployment of contract works in Falun, Sweden which required me to ship some materials to Sweden for the works to be executed. After nothing but extreme pain from the suppliers to get my goods to Sweden, I reached out to International Freight Solutions off the back of reviewing public feedback about their services. I could not have been happier. The team I was dealing with (Jamie and Adam) went above and beyond to guide me on what I needed (EORI number and everything else), kept me updated for the entire cycle of collection, shipping and delivery that I was always up to date and never concerned. Payment and any extra fees for customs or services was all straight forward. It really is this kind of service where there are no grey areas, total professional advice upfront and continued updates maintained, start to finish. For this, it makes me comfortable that future shipping will be trouble-free and I will certainly head straight back to IFS. Thanks Jamie and Adam. Back from Sweden tomorrow. Without your efforts, this would not have even started and got off the ground!

Response from the owner:Thanks for taking the time to leave a really great and detailed review - it means a lot to us! Jamie and Adam will be pleased with the mention too! We really look forward to assisting you again next time.

Daniel W.

I would like to give a special positive review to Catherine Gibson our account manager. Catherine's communication is great along with her speedy competitive quotes. Her communication and updates with our air / sea imports are always up to date and accurate. We have been using International Freight Solutions for well over 12 months now and look forward to many more years working together.

Keep up the good work !!!!

Dan Willerton

Healthy Step (Sensograph) Ltd
Unit E209 Warmco Industrial Park,
Manchester Road, Mossley,
Ashton-under-Lyne,
Lancashire
OL5 9AY

Response from the owner:Many thanks for your great review Dan, it really means a lot to us and especially Cath as she’s bouncing along the clouds now!!

Sam R.

Amazing service from Paul - super helpful, informative and really has a wealth of knowledge. It is a pleasure working with him for our business needs.

Response from the owner:Sam, thanks so much for the kind words and taking the time out to leave such a fantastic review! Looking forward to assisting you again.