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Oil Surge Spurs 50% Freight Cost Rise for Winnipeg Grocers

5/10/2026

22 2 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Oil prices have risen about 50 % since the February 28 U.S. and Israel strike on Iran, pushing freight costs higher for Winnipeg’s specialty grocers.
Winnipeg grocers importing African, South Asian and Middle Eastern foods report import costs rising 40-50 % and are passing some increases to customers.
Store supervisor Ahmed Rathore reports a 2.2-kilogram bag of Ofada rice now costs $18.99, up from $16, and the store absorbs $3 per bag.

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Story summary

Oil prices have risen about 50 % since the February 28 U.S. and Israel strike on Iran, pushing freight costs higher for Winnipeg’s specialty grocers.
Winnipeg grocers importing African, South Asian and Middle Eastern foods report import costs rising 40-50 % and are passing some increases to customers.
Store supervisor Ahmed Rathore reports a 2.2-kilogram bag of Ofada rice now costs $18.99, up from $16, and the store absorbs $3 per bag.