India, Oct. 26 -- The government is bracing for higher fuel and fertiliser costs as the West Asia crisis pushes up container freight rates and crude oil prices, the Times of India reported, citing officials.

Container rates to West Asian ports have risen from $800 to $8,000-$10,000, sharply higher than the $1,746 per container recorded a year earlier, according to the report.

"It is already pushing freight rates beyond a point... fresh disruption in West Asia will have an adverse impact for rest of the world too," Federation of Indian Export Organisations director general Ajai Sahay said, adding that buyers had so far managed on existing inventory stocks.

Shipping consultancy Drewry said security risks and attacks on ships continue to ...