New tariff halts stone import via Sonamasjid land port
Traders have stopped importing Indian stone through Sonamasjid Land Port of Shibganj upazila in Chapainawabganj since Sunday protesting a hike in tariff rates.
Previously Tk 783 was charged on each stone-carrying Indian truck, some 150 of which enter on an average every day through the port carrying loads of up to 30 tonnes.
But the port authority has now imposed a rate of Tk 150 per tonne.
Because of the new tariff, an importer will have to count at least Tk 4,500 for each truck carrying 30 tonnes of stone, which is primarily used in construction.
President of the local importer and exporters’ association, Toufiqur Rahman Babu, claims that in combination with all other charges, the total import cost would lead to losses.
The situation has reduced income of some 1,225 labourers listed at the port to enable goods movement.
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