TDS Desk:

A shipping ministry notification said the waiver is applicable for any import cargo which was set to be unloaded from the port between 16 July to 5 August

The shipping ministry has waived port demurrage of seven days on all types of imported goods stuck at Chattogram port.

Earlier on 30 July, the ministry had given this facility only for the release of raw materials for the garment sector.

According to a notification by the Ministry of Shipping, the waiver is applicable for any import cargo which was set to be unloaded from the port between 16 July to 5 August.

The consignment, however, must be cleared from the port by 14 August, to be eligible for the waiver.

Chattogram Port Authority Secretary Md Omar Farooq said the shipping ministry has the jurisdiction to waive the store rent of the port.

Following an application by the apex body of traders, FBCCI, the ministry issued a notification on 31 July, extending the concession for all imported goods.

Generally, goods can be kept at the port free of charge for up to four days after the goods are unloaded from the ship.

Earlier, the traders expressed their anger when the store rent was waived only for the raw materials of the ready-made garment industry.

According to Chattogram port sources, businesses are allowed to keep import containers in the port yard for four days without charge.

After that, they have to pay a storage rent of $6 per day for a 20-foot container for the 5th to 7th days.

For the subsequent week, the daily rent for the same size container is $12, and from the 21st day onwards, the rent increases to $24 per day.

For a 40-foot container, the rent is double these amounts.

Due to the quota reform movement, internet services were stopped across the country from the night of July 18.

As a result, a lot of import shipments got stuck in Chittagong port.