CPA moves back from penalising for delay in goods release

The Chattogram Port Authority (CPA) Tuesday moved back from its penalising decision on delay in goods release which it declared just a day ago, following a request from importers.

The importers made the request arguing that implementation of such a decision now could badly impact on prices of essential commodities in coming Ramadan.

The authorities on Monday said they would fine importers with doubling the container-storage rents if they did not come to release their goods from the port within 10 days of arrival.

“An increased number of goods-laden containers are arriving at the port everyday centring upcoming Ramadan but these are being released slowly,” said Omar Faruk, secretary of the CPA.

The containers occupy a large portion of the port-yard and hamper the port’s regular operations, he added.

The port yard has a capacity of keeping 49,000 containers, while as of Tuesday, it already reached 40,700 in number, the CPA informed.

Considering the ground reality, the authorities stepped into Monday’s decision, and it wanted to apply an existing law, ‘Refulgence for working of Chittagong Port’ (Cargo and Container) 2001-16 Act’ in this regard.

The act allowed the port authorities to charge the double rent on the 11th day of the goods if unreleased. Usually, the authorities do not apply the section of the act.

The CPA, however, called a meeting with importers and other stakeholders on Wednesday to discuss the alternatives.

“In this meeting, we will discuss how the port can improve its operational smoothness and how to have released the goods fast,” said Faruk.

The importers claimed that this was high time for the port authorities to increase its capacity rather than asking importers to release their goods before the deadline.