The Djibouti Ports and Free Zones Authority (DPFZA) has issued a firm directive prohibiting shipping agents at the Port of Djibouti from imposing surcharges on goods loaded before the ongoing Gulf crisis began.
This decision protects cargo owners and importers from sudden cost increases as global maritime rates climb due to regional geopolitical strains. DPFZA Chairman Aboubaker Omar Hadi announced the measure today, emphasizing its role in maintaining market stability and fair pricing.
The order targets agents representing ship owners or main carriers. It explicitly bars collection of any Gulf conflict-related surcharges for shipments booked or underway prior to the crisis.
“This measure ensures fairness between cargo owners and ship owners,” Hadi stated. He stressed that the goal is to block retroactive fees on pre-crisis arrangements.
Violators face administrative and legal penalties under port rules. The authority urged full compliance from all agents.
Djibouti aims to reinforce its status as a dependable logistics hub, especially for landlocked Ethiopia, which depends heavily on its port. Traders already grapple with currency swings and supply chain breaks; this ban shields them from added burdens.
The directive comes amid severe global shipping disruptions. A GrECo report released today describes a “second shock” from Iran-linked Gulf conflicts, compounding Red Sea attacks.
Major carriers now detour around Africa’s Cape of Good Hope, avoiding the Suez Canal. This lengthens voyages, delays cargo, and spikes costs—straining just-in-time supply chains and hitting consumers.
GrECo warns that persistent Red Sea and Gulf instability will keep driving up business expenses and inflation, despite short-term relief like Djibouti’s surcharge ban. Regional economies remain vulnerable as tensions continue.
