Burden of rising shipping expenses will fall on consumers

Bangla Press Desk:   Following the Chattogram Port Authority’s (CPA) implementation of revised tariffs on 15 October, HR Lines Limited, the country’s sole seafaring container operator, has announced freight rate adjustments. Denmark-based Maersk Line has also revised its charges.

Under the new rates, HR Lines will charge an additional $30 per loaded container and $20 per empty container for HCP-based contracts, and $25 per loaded and $15 per empty TEU for FIO-based contracts. Maersk Line has increased its terminal handling charge for a 20-foot container from $120 to $165.

Business leaders warn that these increases—averaging a 41% rise in vessel and logistics charges—will significantly raise import-export costs, ultimately passing the burden onto consumers.

The Port Users Forum has called for a review of the new tariffs, urging the CPA to set reasonable rates in consultation with stakeholders.

Ameer Humayun Mahmud Chowdhury, convener of the forum, said the current hikes send “an alarming signal for business.”

BP/TD