Kathmandu. Toyota, Hyundai and Chinese automakers have been hit hardest by tensions in the Middle East and other countries over the US-Israel and Iran wars.

According to international media reports, the automobiles sector, including Toyota Motor, Hyundai E and Chinese automaker Chery, has been affected.  International automobiles are likely to be the most affected by the war between the US, Israel and Iran.

These international automakers account for about a third of car sales in the Middle East.  Toyota has 17 percent, Hyundai 10 percent and Chery 5 percent international market share. In Iran, Iranian automakers Iran Khodro and Saipa are at the forefront. In Iran, cherries have a market share of about 6 percent. Other Chinese auto companies are also likely to be affected by this war.

According to international media, Chinese car exports to the Middle East are on the rise. In 2025, China exported about TAG_CLOSE_u_14 TAG_OPEN_u_14 17 percent of its vehicles to Western countries.  The closure of the Strait of Hormun, which connects the war-torn Gulf states of Oman and the Indian Ocean, and the rise in crude oil prices will have an impact on the global automobile sector.

Similarly, the transportation time of those transported using other routes can be extended by 10 to 14 days. If the war prolongs and the route is not restored, sales could fall, shipping costs will rise and deliveries will be delayed, according to international media.

About 20 million barrels of crude oil were transported through this route before the road was closed due to the war. It is also an important route for the transportation of vehicles and spare parts to the Middle East.

Due to the tension seen in the Middle East, the price of fuel is expected to increase in Nepal as well. The increase in the price of fuel will increase the cost of transportation of petroleum products in Nepal. This increases the cost of logistics of private and public transport.

Nepal has been importing Toyota, Hyundai e-Cars and Chinese cars to Nepal. Although there is no impact of the war on imports, there is a possibility that the supply of new vehicles will be delayed and prices will increase due to the fuel crisis and international trade disruptions.