Transporters’ strike: PPDA concerned over demurrage charges being imposed on goods

KARACHI: Chairman of the Pakistan Petroleum Dealers Association (PPDA) Malik Khuda Bakhsh has expressed concern over demurrage charges being imposed on imported goods stranded at ports amid the prolonged strike by goods transporters.

In a statement, he said importers were already facing financial losses due to delays in the movement of cargo, while additional demurrage and related charges on goods held at ports were adding to their difficulties.

He said EV electrical DC chargers, food items and other essential imported goods were among the consignments affected by the disruption in transportation caused by the transporters’ strike.

According to Malik Khuda Bakhsh, imposing heavy demurrage on importers in such circumstances was unjustified because the delays were beyond their control and resulted from the disruption caused by the transporters’ protest.

He urged the government, port authorities, shipping companies and other relevant institutions to take the extraordinary circumstances into account and provide relief to affected importers. He called for a review of demurrage and other additional charges accumulated during the strike.

The PPDA chairman also called for emergency measures to facilitate the timely clearance and transportation of food items and other essential goods required by industrial and commercial sectors.

He urged the government to resolve the issues faced by goods transporters on a permanent basis to prevent similar disruptions in the future and ensure the smooth movement of trade and industrial activity.

Malik Khuda Bakhsh further proposed that the government formulate a comprehensive mechanism, in consultation with relevant stakeholders, to protect importers from excessive demurrage and other additional costs in the event of future strikes or transportation disruptions.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2026