Chattogram, Sept. 16 -- The Chittagong Port Authority has increased tariffs for the first time in 39 years by up to 50 per cent.

The new tariffs came into effect in the early hours of Tuesday.

Businessmen warned that the increased port service charges will raise trading costs and affect business competitiveness. The increased tariffs will increase consumer prices.

Some of the port charges have increased more than others. For instance, the berthing charge for the first 12 hours has been increased by 100 per cent. After 36 hours, the berthing charge has been increased by up to 900 per cent.

The new tariff sets the pilotage fee at $800 per movement, while the new fees for tugboat services range between $ 615 and $ 6,830, depending on ves...