Food distributors across the U.S. are imposing fuel surcharges on perishable goods like salmon and fruits as escalating tensions in the Middle East drive up diesel prices, industry sources confirm. The move reflects broader economic pressures stemming from the ongoing conflict between Iran and Western powers, which has disrupted global oil markets.
Analysts note that diesel prices have surged nearly 20% since January 2026, with the U.S. Energy Information Administration attributing the spike to reduced crude exports from the Persian Gulf. ‘Transporting temperature-sensitive goods requires refrigerated trucks, which are heavily dependent on diesel,’ said a logistics executive familiar with the surcharges, speaking anonymously due to client confidentiality. ‘These costs eventually cascade down to consumers.’
Historical data shows similar fuel surcharges were last widely implemented during the 2022 Russia-Ukraine war. However, current increases outpace those seen during previous geopolitical crises, according to BloombergNEF energy analysts. The USDA reports a 3.7% month-over-month rise in fresh produce transportation costs as of March 25.
Looking ahead, economists warn that prolonged Middle East instability could trigger broader inflationary effects. ‘If diesel remains above $4.50/gallon through Q2, we’ll see these surcharges baked into base prices permanently,’ cautioned a Wharton School market researcher.