Bangladesh Port Tariffs Rise Up to 50% to Fund Expansion

Chittagong Port Authority (CPA) has raised port tariffs for the first time in 39 years, with charges increasing up to 50% from Tuesday to fund capacity expansion.

Berthing charges for the first 12 hours have doubled, and rates after 36 hours surged by 900%. Pilotage fees are now US$800 per movement, tugboat services US$615–6,830, and container handling costs up 25–50%.

Business bodies urged moderation, warning higher costs will hit consumers and exporters — especially the apparel sector, which handles 80% of port shipments.

Chittagong Port manages 3.3 million containers and 130 million metric tons of cargo yearly, serving 4,000+ ships.

Free export container storage extended from 4 to 6 days under the new plan.