The increased tariff at Chittagong Port came into force from today (Wednesday) midnight, frustrating the port users.
Although the Chittagong Port Authority (CPA) earlier said the tariffs would rise by an average 41 per cent, port users claimed that in some cases, the increase could be as high as 400 per cent.
They have also reiterated their demand that the new tariff be put on hold.
The CPA usually collects tariffs across 52 service categories, including ship handling, among which, the new rates will be implemented directly in 23 sectors. According to the government gazette notification, the port will, from now on, collect fares, tolls, fees, and charges based on the dollar exchange rate, which has been set at Tk 122 per dollar.
Port officials said tariffs will automatically rise further if the exchange rate increases.
The highest hike has been applied to container handling services.
The CPA had initially announced the hike on September 14 last through issuing a notification, stating that the new rates would take effect immediately.
Following strong protests from the port users, Shipping Adviser Mr. Sakhawat Hossain put the decision on hold for one month on September 20.
However, a fresh notice signed by Mohammad Abdus Shakur, Chief Officer of the Finance and Accounting Department of Chittagong Port, confirmed that the revised tariffs will be implemented from October 15 or Wednesday zero hour.
All port users, including C&F agents, have been instructed to ensure that sufficient funds are deposited in their accounts to obtain the necessary no-objection certificates (NOCs) under the revised rates.
On Sunday, a large gathering of business leaders in Chittagong reiterated their call for deferring the decision.
Meanwhile, foreign shipping companies involved in Bangladesh's import and export trade have announced additional surcharges.
Among them are France-based CMA CGM and Switzerland-based MSC, both are leading global shipping firms.
Business leaders have warned that these combined hikes in the tariff and surcharge would have an adverse impact on trade, ultimately passing the burden to consumers.
"We are not against the tariff adjustments," one leader said, adding: "But have urged the authorities to raise rates gradually so that businesses can adopt. The enhanced rate is simply unbearable."
In the meantime, the Chattogram Port Users Forum, a platform representing key stakeholders--including shipping companies, freight forwarders, C&F agents, and exporters -- has already written to the Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus, seeking a revision of the tariff structure in light of prevailing economic conditions in the country and global competition.
The forum pointed out that the last major tariff revision took place in 1986, when the dollar-taka exchange rate was Tk 30.61. Now In 2025, the rate stands at around Tk 122-a fourfold increase.
"If we consider the exchange rate alone, costs have already multiplied," the forum mentioned in its letter.
It also stated that service charges, handling fees, pilotage, and demurrage have increased manifold over the years.
"The cost of doing business will rise sharply, eroding the competitiveness of Bangladeshi goods in the international market," Mr. Amir Humayun Chowdhury, Convener of the Chattogram Port Users Forum, told the FE on Tuesday.
He further said the Chittagong Port Authority or CPA is a service-oriented organisation, not a profit-driven one.
"The port has enough reserve funds to modernise and expand its facilities. There is no rational basis for the latest hikes," he added.
The letter to the Chief Adviser also warned that exporters would face increased costs for container handling, storage, and transportation, which would reduce their competitiveness in global markets.
It further cautioned that import costs--particularly for essentials such as fuel, wheat, fertiliser, and industrial raw materials--would rise, fueling inflationary pressure in the domestic economy, which already remained high frustrating the limited income group of people.
The forum also said the decision could undermine the credibility and confidence of the Chittagong Port Authority abroad.
It, however, urged the government to suspend the tariff hike and develop a revised structure in consultation with key stakeholders.
In the meantime, the CPA officials said: "The new tariff would take effect from Wednesday midnight."
jasimharoon@yahoo.com
