Private Inland Container Depots (ICDs) have increased charges for six key services by 9.85% following a sharp rise in fuel prices, as operators seek to offset higher transportation and handling costs.
Bangladesh Inland Container Depots Association (BICDA), which represents Chattogram based private ICD operators, announced the revised charges effective 21 September, coinciding with the latest increase in fuel prices.
The decision came after the price of diesel rose by Tk20 per litre, from Tk115 to Tk135, marking a 17.4% increase. Prices of octane, petrol and kerosene have also increased by Tk20 per litre, reaching Tk165, Tk160 and Tk155 respectively.
BICDA Secretary General Md Ruhul Amin Sikder said the surcharge was introduced to adjust for the additional fuel-related operating costs incurred by private ICDs, commonly known as off-docks.
“This decision was taken to adjust for the additional fuel costs,” he said following a meeting of BICDA members.
The 9.85% surcharge applies to six services: transportation of empty containers between Chattogram Port and private ICDs; transportation of empty containers between Patenga Container Terminal (PCT), also known as RSGT Chattogram, and ICDs; lifting and handling of empty containers; stuffing and handling of export goods; determination of Verified Gross Mass (VGM) of export containers; and unloading or delivery of imported goods.
Under the existing tariff, the package charge for stuffing and handling export goods is Tk8,056 for a 20-foot container and Tk10,742 for a 40-foot container. For import cargo, the package charge stands at Tk13,665 for a 20-foot container and Tk15,773 for a 40-foot container.
The revised surcharge will be added to these existing charges from 21 September.
Private ICDs play a major role in Bangladesh’s export and import logistics chain. All export cargo destined for shipment through Chattogram Port is stuffed into containers at 21 private ICDs in Chattogram and surrounding areas.
The facilities also handle a significant share of import cargo. Around 25% of imported containers are transferred from Chattogram Port to private ICDs, where the cargo is subsequently delivered to importers.
In addition, containers emptied after direct delivery of imported goods at the port are transported to private ICDs. Some are stored there for a certain period, while others are used for stuffing export cargo.
