British shipping journal Lloyd's List reported on May 29 that bunker fuel costs have surged nearly 70 percent amid the Strait of Hormuz closure, with container lines passing the burden on to shippers.
Spot freight rates continue to climb, and analysts warn the market shock could deepen if the strait remains blocked.
The report said soaring fuel prices are the core driver of the latest rate increases. Data from global bunkering hubs show very low sulphur fuel averaging 856 U.S. dollars per tonne on May 28, up 68 percent from mid-February, while high sulphur fuel rose 66 percent to 736.50 U.S. dollars per tonne.
Industry consultancy Drewry noted that Middle East tensions are weighing heavily on sentiment, adding that elevated bunker costs and surcharges are adding upward pressure across trade lanes.
Hormuz disruption drives container shipping costs higher: Lloyd's
A newly-opened desert resort in Shuanghe, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, has quickly become a popular destination, drawing large numbers of travelers eager to experience the desert firsthand.
The resort has built a range of visitor-friendly facilities, including a desert camping base, an off-road track, and a family sand-play zone.
The deserts of Xinjiang have long attracted curious travelers, but the resort is aiming to provide experiences well beyond views of the sandy landscape. Visitors can enjoy live cultural performances, watch cross-country races, and try on local costumes, turning travel moments into lasting memories.
"The daily visits average around 5,000, and exceed 10,000 during peak periods. We will organize more activities to provide visitors with diverse experiences," said Yu Fei, head of the resort.
During holidays, the resort will further expand its activities such as desert camping under the starry sky, off-road events, and new energy vehicle rally races.
New desert resort in Xinjiang draws crowds with immersive experiences
