Trucking, shipping and logistics companies are warning that rapidly rising fuel prices tied to conflict involving Iran are squeezing margins across the transport sector, with some operators warning the increases may eventually be passed on to consumers through higher shipping and freight costs.

Conflict-driven spikes in oil prices have historically hit transport companies especially hard because fuel represents one of their largest and least controllable costs. Industry groups have called for contingency measures, including fuel surcharges passed through to shippers, to manage the volatility.

Economists note that sustained high fuel costs in the transport sector tend to filter through to broader consumer prices over time.