Chattogram port to enforce increased tariff from October 14 midnight

After a one-month suspension, the Chattogram Port Authority (CPA) has announced that increased tariffs across various service sectors will come into effect from October 14 at midnight.

The decision was confirmed in a circular recently signed by Md Abdus Shakur, Chief Finance and Accounts Officer of the port.

According to the notice, all ships, containers, and cargo bills arriving at the port after midnight on October 14 will be charged at the revised rates. Similarly, C&F agents and all port users will be required to pay the enhanced charges.

Listed shipping agents have been instructed to ensure sufficient funds in their designated bank accounts before seeking clearance (NOC) for incoming vessels.

Earlier on September 14, the government had announced tariff hikes of up to 41% across different service categories.

However, following strong opposition from businesses and stakeholders, the shipping adviser postponed the implementation for one month on September 20.

Currently, the port collects tariffs under 52 categories, with 23 sectors directly affected by the new rates.

As per the gazette, charges including rent, tolls, and fees will be collected based on the dollar exchange rate, fixed at Tk 122 per USD. Any future increase in the exchange rate will automatically raise the tariffs.

Container handling charges will see the steepest hike. The tariff for a 20-foot container has been raised from Tk 11,849 to Tk 16,243, an average increase of 37%.

Import containers will incur Tk 5,720 more, while export containers will cost an additional Tk 3,045. Each container’s loading and unloading charges will also rise by nearly Tk 3,000, pushing overall container handling costs up by 25–41%.

This marks the first tariff adjustment at Chattogram Port since 1986, nearly four decades ago. The interim government has taken the initiative to revise port tariffs in line with current demands.

Chattogram Port handles about 92% of Bangladesh’s import-export seaborne trade and 98% of container and cargo transport. Officials said the tariff adjustment was essential to match the port’s operational costs with global standards.

CPA Secretary Md Omar Faruk said, “The notification on tariff hikes was already issued. Following requests from businesses, its implementation was suspended for one month. With the deadline ending, the revised tariffs will be enforced from midnight on October 14.”