Middle East Conflict Drives Surge in Industrial Raw Material Prices
The ongoing conflict in the Middle East has led to a significant increase in global fuel prices, shipping tariffs, and raw material costs, causing a severe cost-push crisis in industrial production. Exporters, particularly in the garment sector, are facing financial strain as they absorb higher raw material costs for confirmed orders. The uncertainty has triggered panic buying among importers, further fueling price hikes. Prices for various raw materials and chemicals have surged by 10% to 183%, affecting sectors such as textiles, plastics, cement, steel, and pharmaceuticals. Despite no official increase in domestic fuel prices, transportation costs have risen by nearly 30%, adding pressure on production expenses. 
