ISLAMABAD- APRIL,6 – Pakistan has received assurances from major shipping stakeholders that no war-related surcharges are being applied to in-transit cargo or shipments rerouted due to regional tensions, Maritime Affairs Minister Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry said on Saturday.
Speaking at a high-level meeting, the minister noted that shipping agents have confirmed stability in freight charges despite ongoing conflict-related disruptions in the region. The government has also secured relief in demurrage charges to ease pressure on exporters and importers.
The development comes amid reports that the ongoing US-Israel conflict involving Iran has triggered war-risk and emergency surcharges in global shipping markets. Industry sources indicated that some international carriers had introduced additional charges ranging from $3,500 to $4,000 per container, depending on the route and shipping line.
In response, Pakistani authorities have taken steps to protect the country’s trading community. Customs officials have issued directives encouraging businesses to report any unjustified charges, with around ten complaints already processed.
“This ensures accountability and protects our trading community,” Chaudhry said, adding that terminal operators have agreed to provide relief on demurrage charges for export containers that arrived before March 3.
Key industry bodies, including shipping and agents’ associations, are also expected to issue formal advisories urging members to avoid imposing retention fees on containers delayed at ports due to external disruptions.
Officials say these measures are aimed at maintaining trade flow stability and minimizing the financial impact of regional tensions on Pakistan’s import and export sectors.
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