Containers pile up in Chittagong, Bangladesh considers reducing demurrage fees

Chittagong Port is currently facing a major congestion issue, with around 40,000 TEUs of containers piling up due to a recent week-long student protest. The protests led to a highway blockade, curfew, and internet restrictions, significantly affecting port operations.

As a result, importers are incurring high demurrage charges for containers that have been at the port for more than four days. These charges have added to the financial strain from factory closures and delays in shipping.

At present, importers are allowed to store containers at the port free of charge for the first four days. After that, they face a daily fee of $6 for a 20ft container, which increases to $12 after 12 days and $24 after 21 days. For 40ft containers, the charges are double.

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