Fluctuations in fuel costs increase pressure on freight prices
While fuel price hikes at border gates strain the transport sector's cost structure, the inability to reflect these increases in freight prices at the same pace narrows profit margins.
Increases in fuel, exchange rates, financing, and maintenance expenses are creating cost pressures in the transportation sector. According to data from the International Transporters Association, the increase in fuel prices at border gates reached 110 percent in March 2026, while the failure to reflect rising expenses in freight prices narrows companies' profit margins and affects the export chain.
Increases in the Cost Structure
Increases in fuel, exchange rates, financing, maintenance, tire, and depreciation expenses significantly increase the pressure on the transportation sector's cost structure.
Fuel Price Hikes at Border Gates
According to data shared by the International Transporters Association, fuel price increases at Turkey's border gates reached the 110 percent band as of March 2026. Fuel Adjustment Factor fees on certain Ro-Ro lines used in international transportation also rose by approximately 150 percent during the March-May period.
Narrowing of Profit Margins
Intense price competition, previously signed transportation contracts, and customers' cost sensitivity make it difficult to reflect rising expenses in freight prices at the same speed. The widening gap between costs and transportation prices leads to a narrowing of companies' profit margins.
Views of Sector Representatives
Akca Logistics General Manager Enes Akça stated that constantly operating with low margins to protect customer and business volume does not create a sustainable model in the long run. Akça emphasized that transparent pricing mechanisms capable of quickly adapting to changing conditions need to be developed.
Impact on the Supply and Export Chain
Rising freight costs increase supply chain expenses for manufacturers, exporters, and retail companies. Reflecting cost increases in freight prices creates pressure on exporters' competitive power in international markets.
Efficiency and Human Resources
While the importance of operational efficiency increases in the face of these rises, digital solutions such as Warehouse Management Systems and Transportation Management Systems make processes manageable. Meanwhile, the need for experienced drivers, which accompanies the cost pressure in the sector, can limit the efficient use of fleets.