Rajkot: Amid the conflict in the Middle East, the Rajkot Chamber of Commerce and Industry (RCCI) has urged the director general of shipping to direct major ports, including Deendayal Port Authority and Mundra Port, to provide immediate relief to exporters on the lines of measures announced by the Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA).In a representation submitted to the authorities, RCCI said the ongoing conflict has severely disrupted international logistics, leaving cargo at ports and airports and resulting in steep increases in demurrage, container detention and terminal storage charges.Exporters are facing a financial burden due to an estimated 250% rise in logistics costs on several routes, along with new war-risk surcharges, higher marine insurance premiums and a spike in container freight rates.According to RCCI, JNPA recently announced several relief measures to support exporters during the disruption. These include waivers on ground rent, up to 80% waiver on reefer charges for perishable cargo, extended storage and stacking timelines, and assistance with customs procedures.RCCI vice-president Parth Ganatra urged the director general of shipping to ensure that Deendayal Port Authority, Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Ltd (Mundra) and other ports introduce similar waivers and relief measures at the earliest.
