New Delhi, Sept. 23 -- India's port volumes rose 7 per cent year-on-year (YoY) in August 2026, while global container freight rates increased 132 per cent from February levels, according to a report by Jefferies.

The brokerage said freight rates increased amid tensions in the Middle East, early peak-season shipments and the Chinese Golden Week.

"Freight rates rose again amid Middle East tensions, early peak season/front-loading of shipments and the Chinese Golden Week, in our view," Jefferies said.

Government-owned Major Ports led the growth, with volumes rising 10 per cent YoY in August. Non-Major Ports also recorded 11 per cent YoY growth during the month.

However, the growth in ports was in contrast to the performance of Indian Rai...