La Jornada: The war in the Middle East raises costs in Mexico by 2 digits

The war between the United States and Israel against Iran has caused an increase in fuel prices in Mexico, which has made maritime and land freight more expensive, according to the private sector. José Manuel Urreta Ortega, president of the Mexican Chamber of the Maritime Transport Industry (Cameintram), pointed out to The Day that the price of maritime freight has increased between 35 and 37 percent, as a result of the armed conflict that began at the end of February.

Official data indicate that, via naval transport, Mexico imports 38 percent of the total value of merchandise. The General Directorate of Ports states that during 2025, 248.7 million tons of total cargo were mobilized, of which 41.2 were mineral bulk, 29.8 were loose general cargo; 59, containerized; 11, other fluids; 18.6, agricultural bulk, and oil and derivatives 89.1 tons.

Urreta Ortega explained that Mexican shipowners and operators work on the high seas – which is the logistics and transfer of personnel, materials and fuel from land ports to marine structures – and cabotage, not on trans-Atlantic voyages, so the increase in the price of fuel, especially diesel, affects their operating costs.

Although Cameintram recognizes the impact on the cost of maritime freight, it noted that it has not identified whether this increase in cost has been transferred to the final price of the goods.

“The war is hitting the circumstances of consumption and in a very direct way, although we cannot associate it when we buy a product in a market, store or fruit store,” said Cuauhtémoc Rivera, leader of the National Alliance of Small Merchants (Anpec).

He explained that the impact is seen in the higher price and shortage of fertilizers, but particularly in the price of diesel. “On average, food has become between 12 and 18 percent more expensive.”

The federal government “has done everything in its power” to avoid impacts on fuel: it maintains two voluntary agreements to cap the liter of diesel at 27 pesos and regular gasoline at less than 24 pesos, subsidizes part of the special tax on production and services, and agreed with banks in the country to reduce commissions when purchasing fuel with bank cards.

However, “many oligarchs take advantage by raising the cost of fuel.” Expensive diesel increases the cost of transportation and logistics of agricultural products.

Rivera considered that even if the war ended in the short term, there will still be consequences. “Humanity has never been able to recover from a war to the point where it started. The bill is going to be as expensive as what is resulting in the war,” he added.

Juan Carlos Anaya, general director of the Agricultural Market Consulting Group (GCMA), pointed out that on average the cost of fertilizers has increased 35 percent from January to April, while the cost of land freight has increased from 3 to 5.

The National Association of Paint and Ink Manufacturers (Anafapyt) pointed out that on a global scale the sector observes double-digit pressures on strategic inputs and increases in energy, logistics and maritime transportation costs.

The points of attention focus on petrochemical raw materials for resins, solvents, additives and specialized packaging, especially on industrial, automotive, marine and protective coatings, inks, aerosols and solvent-based paints, due to their sensitivity to fuel costs, logistics and international supply.

Anafapyt pointed out that although the impact varies, caution has prompted companies to strengthen inventories, diversify suppliers and review logistics to reduce risks and ensure supply.

Miguel Benedetto, general director of the National Association of the Chemical Industry (ANIQ), commented that petroleum derivatives have had increases, but there is no shortage. He noted that the increase in prices in North America is moderate compared to what is happening in Asia. He explained that although this industry does not reach the final consumer, it is likely that terminal manufacturers will affect prices.