The Bangladesh Inland Container Depots Association (BICDA) has decided to raise container transport charges at the Patenga Container Terminal (PCT), citing escalating fuel costs. The revised fees will come into effect on 1 April.
Confirming the development on Sunday, BICDA Secretary General Ruhul Amin Sikder stated that container transportation via PCT has been ongoing for the past eight months without any surcharge imposed on shipping lines.
However, the increased travel distance has significantly driven up fuel consumption, compelling the organisation to adjust charges accordingly.
“Our fuel expenses have surged due to the extended distance.
Drivers are reluctant to take the route.
For instance, the distance from our Ishaq Depot to Chattogram Port is merely 1 kilometre, whereas Patenga Container Terminal is 21 kilometres away.
Similarly, from KDS Depot, the distance extends to 22 kilometres.
Previously, we provided prime movers and trailers with 7 litres of fuel for a trip; now, we need to allocate 21 litres.
Given this increased expenditure, we have no option but to raise the transport fees.
However, this adjustment applies exclusively to Patenga Container Terminal,” he explained.
Sources indicate that BICDA last revised transport charges on 31 August 2022, following a hike in fuel prices.
After two and a half years, the association is implementing another increase, raising container transport fees by Tk1,000 to 2,000 per trip for import, export, and empty containers.
Under the new tariff structure, the transport cost for a 20-foot import-laden container from PCT will be Tk13,605, while a 40-foot container will be charged Tk16,557.