West Asia conflict strands Indian fruit exports at ports, airports

More than 1,250 sea containers carrying fruits such as bananas, grapes and pomegranates meant for West Asian markets during the holy month of Ramadan are stranded at Nhava Sheva port near Mumbai after shipping services were disrupted by the ongoing Iran–Israel war.

Similarly, pallets of fruits are stuck at several airports as Gulf-based airlines suspended operations to the region.

Ramadan is typically a peak season for Indian fruit exports, and with the mango export season set to begin soon, exporters are worried about the fate of large volumes of produce waiting at ports and airports.

According to port sources, about 1,500 TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units) are currently lying inside the terminal, of which around 1,250 containers carry fruits. The value of the stranded cargo could not be immediately ascertained.

Most fruit exports from India to West Asia move through Nhava Sheva to Jebel Ali in Dubai, with a usual transit time of two to three days.

The containers mainly carry bananas, grapes and pomegranates and are stored in reefer containers that remain plugged in, ensuring the cargo stays safe for now, sources said.

Ramadan demand hit

For exporters, Ramadan is among the busiest periods of the year as demand in Middle Eastern markets rises sharply. The war, however, has created major uncertainty. Shipments are being delayed, logistics costs have risen, and buyers in the region are cautious about placing fresh orders.

Exporters say a large share of their annual business depends on Ramadan sales. If exports slow during this peak period, the produce may have to be diverted to the domestic market where prices are significantly lower and demand may not absorb the volumes.

With fresh fruits having a limited shelf life, prolonged delays could translate into significant financial losses, exporters said.

Sources said two ships are expected to sail to a port in Oman in the next couple of days, and some fruit consignments may be loaded onto those vessels.

Air cargo disruption

While the disruption is smaller compared with sea freight, air shipments of fruits and vegetables have also been affected.

India typically exports several hundred tonnes of fruits and vegetables daily by air to Middle Eastern destinations. Flights were completely disrupted in the initial days of the conflict, though there has been some normaliszation recently.

“Shipments to Oman have been least affected. With Emirates resuming some flights, the capacity crunch has eased somewhat, though we are still far from normalcy. Air freight costs to Europe remain 50-70 per cent higher than two weeks ago,” said Kaushal Khakhar, CEO of Mumbai-based Kay Bee Exports.

According to CK Govil, CMD of Delhi-based Activair Airfreight India Pvt Ltd, many farmers who planned to export produce during Ramadan have been unable to do so.

“Some airlines that are operating have increased freight rates four to five times, to nearly ₹1,000 per kg for shipments to Europe and the US,” he said.

Temporary facilitation

Meanwhile, Dubai Customs has introduced a temporary facilitation mechanism for cargo destined for Jebel Ali Port and Free Zones. Under the arrangement, containers arriving at the ports of Khorfakkan and Fujairah can be transported directly by road to Jebel Ali without undergoing regular customs clearance at the arrival port.

Published on March 9, 2026