US-Iran Conflict Strands 1,000 Export Containers at Dubai Port, Maharashtra Farmers Hit

Around 800–1,000 containers carrying agricultural produce from Maharashtra are stranded at Dubai’s Jebel Ali port due to disruptions caused by the ongoing US-Iran conflict. The port, a major distribution hub for food exports across the Gulf, has seen operations paralysed since February 28. Shipments that had already reached Dubai or were en route from India are now stuck, causing major losses for exporters and farmers.

The containers mainly hold bananas, grapes, pomegranates, watermelons, onions and leafy vegetables—key exports from Maharashtra. The delay has come at a crucial time as demand for fruits typically rises across Gulf countries during Ramadan. Nearly 5,000–6,000 tonnes of grapes currently at ports may be affected, while another 10,000 tonnes of export-quality grapes on farms could be forced into the domestic market at lower prices.

The disruption has also created congestion at Mumbai’s Jawaharlal Nehru Port, where dozens of containers remain unloaded and hundreds more are waiting outside the port. Farmer groups have urged the government to step in with subsidies, waive port charges and provide temporary procurement support as exporters struggle with losses and perishable goods begin to spoil.

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