Pakistan : Sugar import delays clog Port Qasim operations
Slow unloading of TCP sugar consignments at Port Qasim has caused port congestion, delaying other cargo and increasing demurrage costs for private importers. Despite a 4,500 MT daily capacity, operations remain slow. The government urged shifting more shipments to Gwadar to ease pressure and directed Port Qasim to improve discharge efficiency.
ISLAMABAD : A slowdown in the unloading of sugar consignments by the Trading Corporation of Pakistan (TCP) has triggered congestion at Port Qasim, causing delays for other cargo and leading to substantial demurrage costs for private sector importers.
Sources revealed that although Port Qasim has the capacity to offload up to 4,500 metric tons of sugar daily, the facility is not being fully utilised. As a result, other shipments are being held up, prompting complaints from private businesses who say they are incurring heavy financial penalties due to TCP’s sluggish handling.
During a high-level meeting on Saturday, TCP officials acknowledged that increased sugar imports could lead to higher storage costs, especially given the current low domestic demand for the commodity.
Maritime Affairs Minister Muhammad Junaid Anwar urged TCP to take advantage of the government’s decision to shift 60 percent of imports to Gwadar Port. He offered reduced fees as an incentive for TCP to redirect sugar shipments to Gwadar, which could help ease the burden on Karachi’s terminals.
In response to growing concerns, the Ministry of Maritime Affairs announced steps to improve the handling of sugar and cement cargo at Port Qasim. The meeting, chaired by Minister Anwar, examined the impact of the congestion on export activities, particularly cement and clinker shipments.
The minister emphasized the importance of operational efficiency across all ports, noting that delays not only increase costs but also disrupt the broader supply chain. He directed the Port Qasim Authority to optimize sugar unloading operations in line with the port’s full discharge capacity.
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Source : Minute Mirror
