Click to play videoKolkata: Services at the Kolkata Port have completely crippled. Heavy congestion of cargo has thrown the port out of gear and this could lead to the escalating price rise of essential commodities.
With the increasing traffic of commodities at the port, the shippers and exporters have pressed the panic button.
“When there was an aircraft, say Jet Airways or Indian Airlines strike, they were worried but no has given it a thought that what will happen to the trade. The planes can be grounded but where will the ships be grounded,” says President Eastern India Shippers Association BR Chandak.
Ahead of the Christmas season, the delay in cargo handling could reportedly mean a loss of Rs 10,000 crore worth. However, port authorities deny that there is any need to worry.
“All our relevant port users linked with container are sitting with us continuously to come out with workable solutions acceptable to each other,” says traffic manager Kolkata Port Trust Utpal Sinha.
Shippers also say that over one lakh tonne of pulses and sugar imported after August 25 are also awaiting clearance following a spat over higher demurrage charges at the port.
People fear that this delay could add to the cost of the essential commodities.
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