Bangladesh Chittagong Port to enforce raised tariffs from Oct 15

The authority raised service charges by an average of 41 per cent in early September through a gazette notification. It was the first first comprehensive revision in nearly 40 years.

"To ensure smooth application, the board decided to set October 15 as the effective date. All necessary preparations have been completed," CPA secretary Omar Faruk was quoted as saying by a domestic media outlet.

Under the new tariff rates, importers will pay an additional Tk 5,720 per twenty-foot container, while exporters face an increase of Tk 3,045. The single largest jump is in loading and unloading charges, up from $43.40 to $68 per container.

The move drew severe criticism from exporters and importers. CPA officials, however, claim that even after the revision, Chattogram's charges are lower than those of many regional ports.

ALCHEMPro News Desk (DS)