Iran Crisis Hits Rice Exports: Exporters Seek Urgent Govt Relief Amid Shipping Disruptions

• Indian Rice Exporters Federation (IREF) seeks urgent government support due to shipping disruptions from the Iran crisis.
• Exporters face acute container shortages, vessel cancellations to the Middle East, and a 15-20% rise in international freight rates.
• War-risk surcharges, insurance premiums, and bunker fuel costs have significantly increased for Gulf-bound shipments.
• Basmati rice prices fell 7-10% in 72 hours, intensifying working-capital pressures for exporters.
• IREF requests waiver of port charges, facilitation for transit cargo, force majeure advisory, and temporary banking relief.