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Tariffs

Chittagong Port Tariff Hike Fuels Uncertainty Amid Protests from Port Users

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

Protests are mounting against the tariff hike at Chittagong Port, with port users claiming the increase could be as high as 400 per cent in some cases, far exceeding the promised average 41 per cent increase. The Chittagong Port Authority (CPA) has implemented the new rates, effective from October 15, despite strong opposition from the port users, shipping companies, and business leaders. The port users are also demanding a revision of the tariff structure, citing the current economic conditions and global competition.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Chittagong Port Authority (CPA) has implemented a tariff hike, effective from October 15, despite strong opposition from the port users.
  • The new rates will be implemented directly in 23 sectors, with the highest hike applied to container handling services.
  • Port users claim the increase could be as high as 400 per cent in some cases, far exceeding the promised average 41 per cent increase.
  • Business leaders have warned that the combined hikes in the tariff and surcharge would have an adverse impact on trade, passing the burden to consumers.
  • The Chattogram Port Users Forum has written to the Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus, seeking a revision of the tariff structure, citing the current economic conditions and global competition.
  • The forum has stated that the last major tariff revision took place in 1986, when the dollar-taka exchange rate was Tk 30.61, and now stands at Tk 122, a fourfold increase.
  • Service charges, handling fees, pilotage, and demurrage have increased manifold over the years, making the enhanced rate unbearable for businesses.
  • The port users have urged the authorities to raise rates gradually so that businesses can adopt.
  • The new tariff will collect fares, tolls, fees, and charges based on the dollar exchange rate, which has been set at Tk 122 per dollar.

Statistics:

  • The new tariff hike could increase costs by as much as 400 per cent in some cases.
  • The average 41 per cent hike promised by the Chittagong Port Authority is significantly lower than the reported increase.
  • The dollar-taka exchange rate has increased from Tk 30.61 in 1986 to Tk 122 in 2025, a fourfold increase.
  • Service charges, handling fees, pilotage, and demurrage have increased manifold over the years.

Sources:

  • "Increased tariff at Chittagong Port comes into force", Financial Express, October 15, 2025 (no author mentioned).
  • "Chattogram Port Users Forum urges revision of tariff structure", Financial Express, October 15, 2025 (no author mentioned).
  • "Chittagong Port Authority announces new tariff rates", Financial Express, September 14, 2025 (no author mentioned).
  • "Shipping Adviser puts tariff hike on hold for one month", Financial Express, September 20, 2025 (no author mentioned).

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