POBNEWS24, Dhaka Feb 11, 2023 : The ongoing supply crisis in the country’s sugar market is not unknown to anyone. At this time last year, sugar was available at Rs 75 per kg. The sugar market tends to be volatile in the middle of the year. Even though the price has increased to 120 rupees, sugar is not available anywhere. In such a situation, 1,250 metric tons of sugar has been stuck at Benapole port for one and a half months due to the lack of initiative of the National Board of Revenue (NBR). Indian truck drivers are in trouble as the sugar is not released. They have been living an inhumane life in the port for one and a half months.
According to Benapole customs authorities, on December 28 last year, Setu Enterprises imported 2,500 metric tons of sugar from India in six shipments in 84 trucks. One thousand 250 metric tons of sugar was released from the port by paying the government fixed tariff price of $430 per metric ton. After that, the Bangladesh Sugar Refinery Association complained to the National Revenue Board that the importer is evading the government duty by importing sugar at a low price. Then the customs authorities stopped the release of 1,250 metric tons of sugar from the next three consignments in 42 trucks and raised the tariff to $570 per ton. But the importing company is not discounting the product citing losses
In this regard, an official of Benapole Customs said on condition of anonymity, “Three consignments of sugar have been released from the port in a legal manner. However, since a letter has been received regarding the increase in import price, we will order the release if the higher authority of customs considers the matter and informs us.
Abdul Jalil, Acting Director of Benapole Port, said that sugar will be exempted from the port after customs clearance is completed. Still 1 thousand 250 metric tons of sugar is waiting to be released at the port.
