Maritime Exporters Face Relief Related Issues - Regulator Steps In

The ongoing war in the Gulf region has been problematic for the marines as ships get stuck up in the area. 

But Indian marines now face a new problem. They are not getting the Financial relief announced by the Indian Government. These include discounts or waivers on expensive port fees like storage and electricity for refrigerated goods. 

The regulator, Directorate General of Shipping (DGS), was forced to step in after it found that the middlemen (shipping lines, terminal operators, and freight forwarders) were the culprits and were not passing on the benefits immediately to the affected parties. They were forcing the exporters to pay the full fee upfront and then apply for the refunds later. This however affected the cash flow of exporters. 

The DGS has issued a strong directive to apply the discounts immediately on the invoice. No more pay now, claim later things will be tolerated. The Port authorities will be responsible to ensure that.

OUR VIEW: 

It is indeed a matter of concern that when globally every nation is suffering due to the ongoing war, and the Indian Government is trying its best to ensure providing maximum benefits to its citizens and all concerned authorities, these sorts of issues crept up. These will be harmful not just to the Indian Economy but also to the citizens at large, as the benefits the Indian Government passes on to the exporters at these times of crisis, will, ultimately, not reach the consumers. Strict action and proper follow-ups are needed by the DGS.

______________________________

Related Article

Link:- Operators not passing on port relief to exporters, says regulator | Economy & Policy News - Business Standard