Bangladesh has postponed the implementation of Chattogram Port’s revised tariff structure by one month following appeals from the business community, according to Shipping Adviser Brig Gen (Retd) M Sakhawat Hussain.
The revised charges, initially scheduled to take effect on 15th September, will remain suspended pending further review, Hussain told a seminar held at the port.
Exporters and importers had argued that the increased tariffs would raise production and freight costs, potentially undermining trade competitiveness as the country prepares to graduate from least developed country (LDC) status next year, domestic media reported.
The Chattogram Port Authority (CPA) had recently announced the first major tariff revision in nearly four decades, raising service charges by an average of 41% through a gazette notification. The revised structure also included an additional charge of almost US $ 25 per container for loading and unloading.
Hussain said the Government was prioritising steps to enhance port capacity, including expediting the bay terminal project and expanding the use of Mongla Port and the Kamalapur inland container depot.
