A total of 19 private inland container depots (ICDs) engaged in import-export business on Sunday raised their service charges as a result of the recent fuel price hike in the country.
According to Bangladesh Inland Container Depot Association (BICDA), they raised the prices on the day after a meeting with their members, along with representatives from the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) and Bangladesh Freight Forwarders Association (Baffa).
During the meeting, it was decided that charges for container handling of imported goods would increase by 35%, handling of empty containers by 24%, and export package charges and VGM charges by 25%.
Earlier on August 6, in line with the fuel price hike, Diesel prices were raised by 42.5%.
However, BICDA raised container handling fees for imported goods by 35% in their diesel-only service, which went into effect on August 11.
On the other hand, haulage and lift on/off charges for diesel-powered services between empty container handlers, were increased by 24% on August 17, which was decided after consulting with shipping agents
However, since most of the export goods are from the readymade garment (RMG) industry, Sunday's meeting also included members of the BGMEA, after which the prices were fixed after a consensus.
Meanwhile, the BICDA raised handling fees for imported goods in its ICDs by 35%, bringing the total cost of delivering a 20-foot container from the yard to Tk13,080.
The same service charges will apply to a 40-foot container, which will cost Tk15,107.
Similarly, in case imported goods are delivered on chassis, a 20-foot container from the yard will cost Tk11,055.
The same service charges will apply to a 40-ft container, which will cost Tk13,080.
BICDA Secretary General Ruhul Amin Sikdar said that the daily container fare in ICDs has not been raised, nor has the document charge.
“Even labour charges for loading containers from truck covered vans are not rising. Only those tasks that use diesel have had their fees raised,” he added.
