New Delhi, Oct. 19 -- Global container freight rates have risen 130 per cent since February 2026 amid renewed tensions in West Asia, according to a report by Jefferies, which identified shipping route changes and the potential return of vessels to the Suez Canal as key factors to watch.

"Freight rates have risen 130 per cent since Feb-26, due to the impact of Middle-East tensions," the report said. It added that "The potential impact of shipping lines' return to the Suez Canal, despite Middle East tensions, is a key monitorable."

Global container freight rates increased from around USD 2,000-2,500 in February to approximately USD 4,000-4,500 in October 2026, reversing the decline recorded through much of 2025 and early 2026, ANI reporte...