SINGAPORE, May 1 -- Freight forwarders in Singapore say profits have fallen about 20 per cent as the Middle East conflict pushes up fuel, insurance and shipping costs.

Some local operators said charges have doubled on certain routes, while delivery times have stretched as vessels avoid danger zones, Singapore-based news outlet CNA reported today.

"With the longer transit time, (it) means they burn more fuel. So then it leads to the cost increase," local freight forwarder Penanshin Air Express executive director Bernard Chan was quoted as saying.

One major bottleneck is the Suez Canal, a key trade route linking Asia and Europe that normally carries around 12 per cent of global commerce.

Since fighting began in late February, some cargo...