Indian customs bar rice exports despite Delhi's approval

Indian customs at Petrapole did not allow lorries loaded with rice exported to Bangladesh at $510 per tonne to cross the border despite the Indian government's approval for the export.
These lorries arrived at the border until March 6 and have been stranded there although their bills of entries were submitted to the Indian customs.
On March 5, the Indian government imposed a fresh restriction on exporting rice to Bangladesh at prices below $650.
Sources said Indian rice exporters are preparing to file cases against the Indian government for the decision.
Petrapole customs officials also sent back a train wagon carrying 2,500 tonnes of rice from the land port yesterday afternoon.
Quoting a letter of the Indian commerce ministry, exporter Shaibal Das said the Indian government allowed export of rice at $510 per tonne for which the bills of entries were submitted to Petrapole customs on March 5 and 6.
Petrapole customs Assistant Commissioner Anwar Hossain said the direction of the central commerce ministry was not clear.
Indian exporter Nirmal Shikari said many exporters are counting huge loss as their rice-laden lorries have remained stranded on the Indian side for the last eight days.