Israel and Egypt imposing steep fees on Gaza shipments, driving prices Sky-High

By Alpaslan Düven-London

Israel and Egypt are reportedly charging exorbitant “coordination fees” on every shipment of goods entering the Gaza Strip, raising concerns over market monopolization and civilian access to basic necessities.

According to reports, the new fees, effective March 18, 2026, are as follows (per truck):

• Medicines: $300,000

• Clothing: $100,000

• Frozen goods: $90,000

• Frozen vegetables: $75,000

• Nescafé and coffee: $75,000

• Eggs: $70,000

• Cleaning supplies: $70,000

• Spices and herbs: $70,000

• Chili and pickles: $70,000

• Peanuts: $50,000

• Honey: $50,000

• Dates and ajwa: $40,000

• Ghee and cooking oil: $50,000

Egyptian coordination fees for the same date are reported as:

• Olives: $50,000

• Cheese: $40,000

• Rice: $30,000

• Flour: $30,000

• Legumes: $30,000

Analysts say that only ten traders are authorized to bring goods into Gaza, effectively monopolizing the supply chain. As a result, prices for essential items have surged dramatically by the time they reach ordinary residents.

“This exploitation is unsustainable,” a local humanitarian source said. “Since the beginning of the conflict, the majority of Gaza’s population has been unemployed. Ordinary civilians have no way to pay fees that end up in the hands of traders and foreign authorities.”

International organizations have called for urgent measures to prevent further economic strain on Gaza’s residents and to ensure that humanitarian supplies remain accessible to those in need.