Road freight rates on major transport routes have surged about 30 per cent over the past week as a fuel shortage disrupted trucking operations and reduced vehicle availability, transport operators and exporters said.
Freight charges for covered vans on the Dhaka–Chattogram route have risen to Tk25,000–Tk26,000 from the usual Tk17,000–Tk18,000, according to the Inter-District Goods Transport Truck and Covered Van Owners’ Association.
The increase is raising logistics costs for exporters and importers using Chattogram Port and surrounding commercial hubs.
Nearly 10,000 trucks and covered vans arrive in Chattogram daily from Dhaka and other regions carrying goods for distribution through Chattogram Port, Khatunganj and nearby markets.
About 7,000 of those vehicles operate between Chattogram Port and 21 private inland container depots (ICDs), where most covered vans deliver ready-made garment (RMG) shipments for containerisation before export.
The association’s General Secretary Chowdhury Zafar Ahmed said the fuel shortage has made it difficult for transport operators to maintain normal services.
“Currently, the freight rate for a covered van on the Dhaka–Chattogram route has risen to between Tk25,000 and Tk26,000,” he said.
Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) Director Rakibul Alam Chowdhury said the fuel crisis has pushed up transport costs and reduced the availability of covered vans.
“Covered vans are not available even after paying higher rates. Transport operators are charging additional fares as they see fit,” he said, adding that the situation could worsen ahead of Eid.
The ready-made garment industry is already facing pressure from export commitments and rising costs, and higher transport expenses are adding to the strain, he said.
The fuel shortage is also disrupting maritime logistics linked to the port.
At least 26 deep-sea fishing vessels have cancelled scheduled voyages because of limited fuel supply, while several lighter vessels transporting cargo from mother vessels to shore have halted operations after running out of fuel.
Bangladesh Water Transport Coordination Cell spokesperson Parvez Ahmed said delays in vessel returns are reducing cargo handling at the outer anchorage of Chattogram Port.
“This has reduced cargo handling activities at the port’s outer anchorage,” he said.
The Bangladesh Marine Fisheries Association has asked the Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation (BPC) to prioritise fuel supply for fishing vessels.
In a letter sent on 11 March to BPC Chairman Md Rezanur Rahman, the association warned that disrupted fuel supply linked to tensions in the Middle East is preventing vessels from going to sea despite sufficient national reserves.
Jamuna Oil Company Deputy General Manager Operations Md Jasim Uddin said the company has already submitted a list of fuel requirements for its regular customers to the Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation.
