Turkey will increase transit fees for passing through the Bosporus and Dardanelles by 15% starting July 1, 2025. This is the fourth increase in the past two years, following previous hikes in 2022 and 2024, after nearly 40 years of stable rates. The new fee will reach $5.83 per ton, raising logistics costs for the Black Sea region. This increase will add approximately $2-3 to the cost of transporting a ton of grain. Analysts say the market impact will be moderate compared to other factors such as the war in the Black Sea, higher insurance premiums, and fuel prices. The straits remain the key route to the Mediterranean for grain exports. Increased transit costs will raise global grain prices slightly. Some expenses, like port processing fees, might decrease, partially offsetting the hike. Overall transit costs via the Bosporus have increased sevenfold since 2022. The Turkish government states that revenue from these fees will fund infrastructure improvements. Despite higher costs, sea transport remains vital for deliveries to the Mediterranean. The additional expenses will influence export prices from the region. Although the increase raises costs, the Bosporus will continue to be a critical route for grain exports.
