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For the first time in nearly four decades, Chattogram Port is set to raise its service charges, with an average hike of 41 percent. However, the shipping ministry is reviewing the proposal following strong objections from port users.

The meeting, chaired by Shipping Ministry Adviser M Sakhawat Hossain, is scheduled for August 25, where port authorities and representatives of importers and exporters will sit together.

Officials at the Chattogram Port Authority (CPA) said the last revision of port charges was in 1986. Even after the proposed increase, they argue, fees will remain lower compared to neighbouring countries.

Port Secretary Omar Faruk confirmed that senior officials, including the chairman, are already in Dhaka to attend the meeting.

Pushback from stakeholders

The finance ministry had approved the revised tariff on July 24, and after vetting by the law ministry, it was awaiting gazette notification. But before implementation, strong opposition from businesses forced authorities to reconsider.

Under the new structure, CPA’s revenue is expected to rise by 41 percent. Since port charges are set in US dollars, costs automatically rise with any increase in the dollar’s exchange rate.

Container handling will see the sharpest rise. Currently, handling a 20-foot container costs about Tk 11,849. With the proposed hike, charges will increase by an average of Tk 4,395, bringing the total to Tk 16,243. Import containers will cost an additional Tk 5,720 each, while export containers will see an extra Tk 3,045.

Exporters say the move will intensify their burden at a time when global challenges are already hitting competitiveness.

A BGMEA director from Chattogram said, “The US has already imposed 20 percent retaliatory tariffs. Exporters are under pressure. If port charges go up by 41 percent, it will further erode their capacity. Exporters pay fees twice—once on raw material imports and again on finished goods exports.”