18,000 Iranian cargo containers stuck at Pakistani ports over huge fees

Mohammad-Ali Kargascha, a board member of Iran’s International Transport Companies Association, revealed the figure during a Tehran Chamber of Commerce meeting. He noted that cumulative clearance fees now exceed $25,000 for certain shipments.

Many cargo owners find clearance economically unviable. The total expenses required to release and move the goods frequently match or exceed the shipment values, which range between $20,000 and $30,000.

Maritime transport restrictions triggered by the Middle East war caused the blockage in March 2026. Cargo ships offloaded goods at Pakistani ports during initial rerouting efforts.

Financial hurdles, intermediary bills of lading, and fear of sanctions now impede the onward transfer of cargo. So far, owners of only 1,000 containers have started clearance procedures.

Pakistani authorities continue to levy high fees on the stranded freight. Meanwhile, international transport representatives report that a negotiated 80 percent fee discount remains unimplemented by port officials.

Tehran Chamber of Commerce Transport Commission head Peyman Sanandaji confirmed that Iranian diplomats are pursuing the matter with Pakistani officials. Officials will soon transmit updated lists of cargo owners.

Sanandaji warned that unaccredited, non-approved companies collected astronomical sums from cargo owners without taking effective action to release shipments. The private sector is currently seeking diplomatic solutions.

Private trade groups propose shipping the stranded goods directly to Iran’s Chabahar Port. Small vessels holding 300 to 400 containers would move the freight across the sea.

Execution of the maritime transfer proposal remains stalled. Both nations must first agree on logistics costs and complete high-level diplomatic coordination before moving forward.