Dhaka, March 13 -- Bangladesh's textile manufacturers, apparel exporters and global buyers alike feel mounting financial pressure under chain effects of the Middle East turmoil that disrupts major shipping routes and hikes freight, energy and raw material costs, industry insiders say.

Initial shock is already being reported by global retailers as shipping expenses and lead times rise, while manufacturers are bracing for higher production costs due to surging prices of petroleum-based raw materials.

Industry players have noted that the conflict has triggered volatility surrounding petroleum and its by-products -- key inputs for man-made fibre (MMF) and other synthetic textile materials -- raising the cost of producing blended fabrics and...