Chittagong Port Toll Hike Withdrawn After Strike

Chittagong Port authorities have withdrawn the recent hike in the entry toll for heavy vehicles following a two-day strike by transport owners and workers, which severely disrupted operations.

The decision was made during an emergency meeting on Sunday afternoon, chaired by the Port Chairman, with transport stakeholders. Port Secretary Omar Faruk confirmed that vehicles can now enter the port by paying the previous, lower toll amount.

The strike began on Saturday, halting the movement of container trailers, trucks, and covered vans, after the entry fee for heavy vehicles was abruptly increased from Tk 57 to Tk 230 on October 15.

The strike caused significant gridlock, resulting in six ships leaving the port over the weekend without loading approximately 1,000 export containers.

The increased toll has been temporarily suspended, allowing vehicle movement to resume immediately at the old rate. The Port will now send recommendations to the relevant ministry for a final decision on the matter.

Port users had previously issued a 7-day ultimatum to the government to resolve the issue.