From Our Staff Correspondent | Chattogram
The government’s decision to increase diesel prices by 15%—raising it from Tk 100 to Tk 115 per litre—has begun to impact the logistics sector of the country’s import-export trade. Citing this fuel price hike, the Bangladesh Inland Container Depots Association (BICDA) has announced an 8.5% increase in container handling charges at private Inland Container Depots (ICDs) or off-docks.
The organization issued a circular yesterday, April 19, 2026, directing the implementation of these new rates with immediate effect.
Affected Service Sectors
According to the BICDA notification, the rise in fuel prices has increased operational costs at every stage of depot management. Consequently, an 8.5% hike has been applied to the last reviewed rates. This increase will primarily apply to the following sectors:
- Empty container transportation/haulage charges between Chattogram Port and ICDs.
- Empty container transportation/haulage charges between Patenga Container Terminal (PCT) and ICDs.
- Empty container lift-on and lift-off charges.
- Export goods stuffing/handling package charges.
- Export loaded container VGM (Verified Gross Mass) charges.
- Import goods delivery package charges.
The notification, signed by BICDA Secretary General Mohammad Ruhul Amin Sikder, stated that the cost of operating depots has risen significantly due to the fuel price hike, necessitating the newly integrated rates. All private ICDs across the country have been advised to inform their respective clients regarding this 8.5% increase.
Stakeholders expressed concerns that the rise in handling charges at off-docks will further increase the cost of transporting import-export goods, which may ultimately impact the end consumers.
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