Indian exporters are facing a severe financial crunch as global shipping lines have started demanding contingency surcharges of up to $4,000 on 40-feet containers. The Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO) has reported that these charges are being levied even on consignments that reached ports before the recent military escalations. Perishable goods like fruits and vegetables are the worst hit, as carriers are refusing to release cargo without these extra payments. This move has been labeled as “arbitrary” by trade bodies, who have now officially approached the Commerce Ministry to intervene and prevent further erosion of export margins.