ICD operators raise handling charges by 8.5pc

The Bangladesh Inland Container Depots Association (BICDA) has raised container-handling charges by 8.5 per cent for private inland container depots (ICDs), effective from Sunday (April 19), citing a hike in diesel prices.
In a circular issued on Sunday, it said the government had increased diesel prices by 15 per cent from Tk 100 per litre to Tk 115 per litre, leading to higher operational costs in the fuel-dependent segments of ICD operations.
The revised rates cover a range of services, including empty container transportation between the Chittagong Port and ICDs, and between Patenga Container Terminal (PCT) and ICDs, along with lift-on and lift-off services.
Export-related handling package charges have also been increased, covering container stuffing, movement from yards to container freight stations (CFS), and transportation of loaded containers to the port after vessel nomination.
Charges for export-loaded container verified gross mass (VGM) services, such as lifting, transportation to weighing scales, weighing, and return to load yards, have also been revised upwards.
Import delivery package charges have been increased as well, including haulage from the Chittagong Port to ICDs, unloading, placement in delivery yards, and transfer of goods to trucks.
BICDA has asked ICD operators to inform clients of the revised rates, which took effect immediately.
However, the move has drawn criticism from business leaders.
Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BKMEA) Executive President Fazlee Shamim Ehsan questioned the rationale behind the hike, arguing that the increase in handling charges appeared disproportionate to the fuel price adjustment.
"If charges are raised by 8.5 per cent, it suggests that fuel accounts for nearly half of the total operational costs, which is not realistic," he said.
He also warned against taking undue advantage of a cost shock, saying such practices would be unethical and could add further pressure on exporters and importers already grappling with rising logistics expenses.
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