Govt urged to take steps against surcharge by shipping lines
Thursday, 22 July 2010
FE Report
Bangladesh Auto Re-Rolling Mills and Steel Mills Association has urged the government to take steps against imposition of surcharge by shipping lines.
"For the last one month, the lines are charging $100 to $200 in addition to the normal charges on our import shipment due to slow work at the Chittagong port," said S.K. Masadul Alam Masud, chairman of the association.
Stay time of ships at the country's premier Chittagong port increased sharply to 4.5 days in June, the highest in the past 38 months. The ships' stay time in May 2010 was 3.37 days.
Auto Re-Rolling Mills owners import scrap metal mostly from African countries to produce steel products in the country.
The association leaders Sunday met shipping minister Shahjahan Khan where they put forward several demands for smooth running of their business.
The minister assured them of allout support and formed an eight-member committee to submit a report within a month on how to solve problems they are facing at the ports.
"The port is passing a transition time and the situation will improve by this month," Shahjahan said.
Mr Masud said the port allows four days free stay time which also includes holidays.
The CPA physically inspect containers even after scanning and it delays delivery of cargo by seven to 10 days, he said adding, "If the authority does not find any wrongdoing after the physical inspection, the importer should be waived of demurrage charge."
The association also urged to set up a weighing scale for the containers.
There are about 30 auto re-rolling mills and steel mills operating in the country and about one million people are employed in the sector.
Bangladesh Auto Re-Rolling Mills and Steel Mills Association has urged the government to take steps against imposition of surcharge by shipping lines.
"For the last one month, the lines are charging $100 to $200 in addition to the normal charges on our import shipment due to slow work at the Chittagong port," said S.K. Masadul Alam Masud, chairman of the association.
Stay time of ships at the country's premier Chittagong port increased sharply to 4.5 days in June, the highest in the past 38 months. The ships' stay time in May 2010 was 3.37 days.
Auto Re-Rolling Mills owners import scrap metal mostly from African countries to produce steel products in the country.
The association leaders Sunday met shipping minister Shahjahan Khan where they put forward several demands for smooth running of their business.
The minister assured them of allout support and formed an eight-member committee to submit a report within a month on how to solve problems they are facing at the ports.
"The port is passing a transition time and the situation will improve by this month," Shahjahan said.
Mr Masud said the port allows four days free stay time which also includes holidays.
The CPA physically inspect containers even after scanning and it delays delivery of cargo by seven to 10 days, he said adding, "If the authority does not find any wrongdoing after the physical inspection, the importer should be waived of demurrage charge."
The association also urged to set up a weighing scale for the containers.
There are about 30 auto re-rolling mills and steel mills operating in the country and about one million people are employed in the sector.