Malik Khuda Bakhsh, Chairman of the Pakistan Petroleum Dealers Association (PPDA), has voiced concerns about heavy demurrage charges on imported goods stuck at ports due to a strike by goods transporters. He highlighted that importers are already facing significant financial losses, and additional charges only exacerbate the issues.

Essential items, including EV chargers and food products, are stranded and unable to reach their destinations. Bakhsh argued that imposing demurrage under these circumstances is unjust, as the strike is beyond importers’ control. He called for the government and relevant authorities to review these charges and ensure the timely clearance of essential goods.

Furthermore, he urged a long-term resolution to transporters’ issues to prevent future disruptions and suggested creating a mechanism to protect importers from high costs during strikes.