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CHATTOGRAM: Local steelmakers are in a tight corner for failing to unload imported scrap for adequate berths at Chittagong port, thus causing higher prices of rod and steel goods.
The ships loaded with scrap are waiting at the outer anchorage day after day for berthing schedule.
In February, delay time of such ships was 13-26 days.
In March, delay time is rising as essential commodities are being unloaded on an emergency basis for the upcoming Ramadan fast.
Sources said the delay time was two to nine days last September, three to 15 days in October, 11 to 21 in November and seven to 18 days in December.
But it was 21 to 23 days in January 2021.
Sources said a total of five ships loaded with 142,510 tonnes of scrap arrived in September 2020 and 13 ships with 284,076 tonnes in October.
On the other hand, 14 ships laden with 310,952-tonne scrap arrived in November 2020 and seven ships with 155,535 tonnes in December.
In January 2021, 14 ships loaded with 292,923 tonnes of scrap arrived while five ships with 142,682 tonnes in February.
Again, more than 20 such ships were waiting at the outer anchorage of the country's prime seaport for berthing in March.
On March 23, the Bangladesh Steel Manufacturers Association (BSMA) wrote to the Chattogram Port Authority (CPA) chairman with a plea for a remedy.
The BSMA sought two more berths for unloading the scrap which is being used for manufacturing steel goods like rod for building work.
BSMA chairman Monwar Hossain said, "Many scrap-laden ships are floating on the sea and waiting at the outer anchorage of Chattogram port for unloading."
"The CPA is yet to allocate berths for unloading. Prices of rod and steel goods are rising day by day as the cost of scrap has increased for delayed berthing."
Chittagong Port Authority (CPA) secretary Omar Faruk said, "The CPA has received the letter from the BSMA.We're considering their plea under the berthing rule of the Chattogram port."
Consumer goods are now being unloaded on a priority basis for the upcoming Ramadan. The Chittagong Port Authority will act as per the request, he told the FE.
"I hope the crisis will be solved very soon."