Hundreds of containers bound for the Middle East are stuck at Indian terminals
The conflict in the Middle East has caused a backlog of fresh produce containers in India as shipping lines suspend services.
According to a report from the Indian Express, hundreds of containers loaded with bananas, grapes, onions, melons and more are stranded at Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA) near Mumbai. New consignments continue to arrive, but new bookings have been halted.
The backlog is reverberating across India’s supply chain and exporters have expressed concerns that if shipments do not resume soon, they will have to divert export quality product to the domestic market, driving down prices. Some exporters are already seeing this play out.
“Bananas, grapes, and onions are main exports from Maharashtra. Farmers and traders are suffering major losses. The goods are stuck in transit as well. I request the government to intervene and provide compensation,” said Pune-based trader Suyog Zende told the Indian Express.
A JNPA spokesperson told the Free Press Journal the port is working to find solutions.
“More than 5,000 containers are currently stranded, including around 1,000 reefer containers. All reefer containers are plugged in,” the spokesperson said.
JNPA has provided stacking facilities and extended storage within port premises. Cargo handling charges at most terminals have also been capped.
As the disruption drags on, there is concern for other commodities as their seasons commence.
Sanjay Pansare, director of the Mumbai Agricultural Produce Market Committee (APMC) fruit market, told the Free Press Journal that almost 30 per cent of mango production is exported every year.
“This year, mango production is already less due to the extended rains last year. If exports do not take place as usual, farmers will face huge losses,” Pansare said.
