Karachi: The consignments of pulses have started to be released from the port, which averted the risk of a possible crisis of pulses in the month of Ramadan, but the increased prices of pulses could not be reduced.
Abdul Rauf Ibrahim, chairman of the Wholesale Grocers Association, told Express that out of the 7,000 containers of pulses stopped, 2,000 containers have been released while 5,000 containers are still remaining. 20% of the pulses arriving as “bulk” are released immediately.
He said that it is beyond comprehension why previously held consignments of pulses imported in containers are not being released at a faster pace than in bulk, even though foreign shipping companies are paying more for pulses in containers than in bulk. The burden of paying detention charges of $100 per container per day is increasing on the country and importers, so the federal government and port authorities should issue orders for clearance of detained pulses containers on a priority basis because foreign shipping companies are paying $70 million worth. A detention of 3 crore dollars has been imposed on the containers of pulses stopped.
Chairman Wholesale Grocers Association said that the delay in releasing the consignments of pulses stored in containers will increase the cost to dangerous levels and further increase in the price of pulses will not only affect the common consumers but also the rate of inflation will be dangerous. The limit will increase.
He said that despite the announcement by the Federal Minister of Ports and Shipping Faisal Sabzwari two weeks ago, they have not yet been able to issue the notification to remove the demurrages on the stalled containers of pulses.
Chairman Wholesale Grocers Association said that due to the release of all the containers and bulk cargo of pulses arriving in Pakistan, there was an increase of 100 to 150 rupees per kg of pulses across the country for the last few months, but now the prices will return to normal.
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