Chittagong Port Hikes Tariffs 50% For First Time In 39 Years
Chittagong Port Authority (CPA) has implemented its first tariff increase in 39 years, with charges rising up to 50%, effective Tuesday. The hike is aimed at expanding port capacity and upgrading services, CPA Secretary Omar Faruk said, adding that the impact on consumers would be ‘minimal.’
Several fees have surged significantly. Berthing charges for the first 12 hours have doubled, while rates after 36 hours have jumped by as much as 900%. Pilotage fees now stand at US$ 800 per movement, tugboat services range from US$ 615 to US$ 6830 and container handling costs have risen 25–50%.
However, business leaders have voiced concerns over the potential impact on trade competitiveness and consumer prices. Syed Mohammad Arif, chairman of the Bangladesh Shipping Agents Association, noted that the association had recommended a modest 10–12% increase. SM Saiful Alam, president of the Chittagong Customs Agents Association, warned, “Ultimately, these costs will be passed on to consumers.”
Exporters, particularly in the apparel sector, which accounts for 80% of shipments through the port, also expressed apprehension. Rakibul Alam Chowdhury, director of BGMEA, said the industry is already facing US-imposed tariffs, and the new port charges could further strain exporters.
Chittagong Port handles around 3.3 million containers and 130 million metric tons of cargo annually, serving more than 4,000 ships. The new tariff structure, developed with Spanish consultancy IDOM, also extends free storage for export containers from four to six days, with sharply rising charges thereafter.
