India: Kandla port congestion may cause edible oil shortage

that supplies major refineries catering to western and northern India. In letters to the government, the Solvent Extractors’ Association of India (SEA), representing key stakeholders in the edible oil industry, has said that only two vessels with a combined capacity of 45,000 tonnes are currently discharging cargo, while as many as eight vessels carrying 157,000 tonnes — are waiting for berths. The congestion is particularly concerning as five more vessels, with a total capacity of 159,000 tonnes, are expected to arrive within the next week, it has said. When contacted, Sushil Kumar Singh, Chairman of Deendayal Port Authority (DPA), Kandla, told The Indian Express: “The congestion is the result of a sudden surge in edible oil vessel arrivals after import duties were reduced in May. At present, six edible oil and six chemical vessels are waiting at anchorage. The average waiting time is 8-10 days. We’ve tightened operational protocols and are working to address the issue as ...