Cost of goods rising due to Chattogram Port inefficiencies: Amir Khasru
The government is working to streamline port operations to cut costs and ease market prices
Rising costs of consumer goods and industrial materials are being driven by delays and lack of coordination at Chattogram Port, Finance and Planning Minister Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury said today (20 February).
"These inefficiencies are affecting both industrial production and market prices. If port problems are addressed, cargo clearance will speed up and additional costs will decrease," he said after a meeting with the Port Users Forum at his Mehedibagh residence.
The meeting was attended by representatives from the port, customs, transport workers, and other relevant stakeholders.
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The minister said each point was discussed in detail, examining where and why problems occur and the reasons behind rising costs.
Some issues were resolved immediately, while a few require further inter-ministerial coordination and will take several more days to finalise.
Khasru highlighted that different stakeholders at the port operate independently, creating a fragmented system. "Each group is running its own operations, forming separate zones of control. Responsibilities are unclear, which contributes to rising costs," he said.
He added that delays in cargo clearance, extra charges, and procedural complexities are significant factors behind increased costs.
"These additional expenses are being passed on to consumers and are reflected in both industrial production and market prices," he said.
"The impact is not limited to consumer goods. Almost all imported products, including raw materials used in industries, are affected, and the public bears the burden of these additional costs. With Ramadan approaching, special emphasis is being given to faster clearance of essential items. Delays in delivery could push up market prices, while faster clearance would help reduce these extra costs," he said.
He also said the government has taken initiatives to ease the pressure on the national economy caused by port inefficiencies.
"Some solutions have already been implemented today, and others will be finalised through discussion. We hope effective measures will be taken very soon. Once port operations speed up, cargo clearance will improve, production costs will decrease, and market price pressures will ease," Khasru added.
