Lighter vessels' freight rate goes up today

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Our Correspondent
CHITTAGONG: The freight rate of lighter vessels is being increased with effect from today (Thursday) following enhancement of prices of fuel oil and other equipment of lighters.
Sources concerned said the Water Transport Coordination Cell (WTCC) has finaly decided to raise the rate from November 1 as labour costs have also increased along with prices of other items making it difficult for the owners of lighter vessels to keep pace with the growing needs.
With the hike in freight rate, the expenditures in importing goods from abroad will also increase, which, in turn, would adversely affect the consumers, business sources feared.