Transporters’ strike: PPDA concerned over demurrage charges being imposed on goods

Business Recorder reported that Malik Khuda Bakhsh, chairman of the Pakistan Petroleum Dealers Association (PPDA), has raised alarm over demurrage fees levied on imported consignments held at ports during a drawn-out goods transporters' strike. In a statement, he said importers were already absorbing losses because cargo movement had slowed, and that these extra port charges were compounding their troubles. He stressed that the delays lay outside importers' control, making heavy demurrage unjustified.

Among the consignments hit by the transport disruption, he named EV electrical DC chargers, food products and other essential imports. Calling on the government, port authorities, shipping lines and other bodies, he asked them to factor in the unusual circumstances, extend relief to affected importers, and review the extra fees that built up during the strike.

He also called for emergency steps to speed the clearance and movement of food and essential goods needed by industry and commerce, along with lasting solutions to transporters' grievances to prevent future disruption. Further, he proposed a comprehensive mechanism, drawn up with stakeholders, to shield importers from excessive demurrage in future strikes or transport disruptions.