Petrapole Port halts 24hrs trade with Benapole

In an unexpected move, the Indian Petrapole port authorities have unilaterally suspended the 24-hour trade service with the Benapole port, effective from the evening of Thursday. This decision, made without any prior discussion, caught trade officials and traders off guard.

Since Thursday evening, no goods-laden trucks have been permitted to enter the Petrapole port from 6 PM to 8 AM the following day. Despite this, trade activities during the day have continued as usual. This contrasts with the previous arrangement where import-export activities between the two ports were conducted round-the-clock.

In response to this development, Benapole port authorities have sought an explanation from the Petrapole port manager regarding the suspension of trade services for 10 hours after the evening.

Trade officials have pointed out that a decision was made on August 1, 2017, to initiate a 24-hour trade service six days a week between the two countries. This arrangement facilitated import-export and goods clearance activities around the clock, including on Fridays in emergencies. Consequently, trade and revenue increased by 40%, and the dynamism in import-export trade was achieved.

During this period, the volume of imports rose from 300 trucks to 500 trucks, and annual revenue climbed from 30 billion to 60 billion taka. However, without any discussion, Petrapole port authorities suddenly halted this 24-hour trade service on July 11. Since then, no goods-laden trucks have been entering Benapole port from the Indian side after 6 PM.

Ziaur Rahman, General Secretary of the Benapole Land Port Importers and Exporters Association, stated, "Import-export activities used to be 24 hours a day via this route. Now, India is not conducting trade after evening. Traders are suffering the most due to the halt in perishable food items. Additionally, trade deficits will increase as goods-laden trucks are not entering after the evening." 

Sultan Mahmud Bipul, International Check Post Secretary of the Benapole C&F Agents Association, noted that the 24-hour trade service was operational through the port. However, trade activities at Petrapole port have been halted since 6 PM on Thursday. 

Rezaul Karim, Director (Traffic) of Benapole Land Port Authority, confirmed that the 24-hour trade service was operational at Benapole port. However, since 6 PM on Thursday, Petrapole port authorities have not allowed goods-laden trucks to enter Benapole port. The Petrapole port authorities have been asked to explain the reasons for halting trade services after the evening, as the 24-hour import-export service was decided upon by both countries. They have indicated that they will discuss with trade officials and provide an explanation.