India Tells Major Ports to Consider Waiving Charges for West Asia-Bound Cargo

India’s Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways has asked all 12 major ports to consider waiving or reducing select charges on cargo stuck due to the ongoing conflict in West Asia, in an effort to ease the financial burden on trade and prevent congestion at terminals. The advisory follows a spike in the number of vessels and containers awaiting clarity on sailings to the Persian Gulf and surrounding regions.

According to ministry directions reported in multiple national outlets, ports have been told to examine requests for reduction, waiver or remission of items such as storage rent, reefer plugging fees and change-of-vessel charges on a case‑to‑case basis. Port authorities have also been advised not to levy additional charges specifically arising from the disruption, and to prioritise handling of perishable cargo to avoid spoilage.

A standard operating procedure (SOP) has been circulated to ensure uniform implementation across major ports. Each port is expected to appoint a nodal officer at senior management level as a single point of contact for exporters, importers, shipping lines and other stakeholders seeking facilitation related to West Asia‑linked shipments. The SOP also encourages ports to consider treating some affected consignments as transhipment cargo and to earmark additional yard space, if necessary, to store containers during the crisis period.​

Industry participants say the move is aimed at cushioning exporters from unexpected cost escalations triggered by delays, diversions and insurance‑related complications on routes touching the Gulf. Officials have separately highlighted ongoing engagements with financial and insurance sector regulators to address rising war‑risk premiums and ensure continued availability of trade credit for shipments linked to the region.