The Deendayal Port Authority (DPA) has announced the waiver of yard charges and refrigerated container plug usage fees for export containers bound for the Middle East, affected by the ongoing geopolitical crisis.
To provide significant relief to exporters impacted by persistent geopolitical unrest in the Middle East, the Deendayal Port Authority (DPA) has decided to waive yard rental charges and refrigerated container plug fees for export containers currently stranded at the port.
This decision follows an instruction issued on March 6, 2026, by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, which established a set of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) across major ports aimed at mitigating disruptions in trade routes to the Middle East. In accordance with relevant port legislation and tariff policies, DPA issued a trade notice on March 16, immediately implementing relief measures for the import-export (EXIM) sector.
As part of this relief package, DPA's terminal operators will offer a 100% reduction in yard rent or demurrage charges for up to 15 days, covering the period from February 28, 2026 (00:00 hours) to March 14, 2026 (24:00 hours).
Additionally, during the same 15-day window, an 80% reduction in refrigerated container plug usage fees will be provided for refrigerated containers carrying perishable goods that are stranded at the port.
To further support exporters, the port has introduced several proactive measures. Terminals are allowing stranded containers to remain stored in their container yards until they can be shipped. The port is also working closely with customs authorities to permit fully loaded containers originally destined for the Middle East and originating from other ports to be temporarily stored as transshipment cargo at DPA terminals. Furthermore, additional storage space has been allocated to accommodate the increased volume of cargo.
The DPA has also directed shipping lines, Non-Vessel Operating Common Carriers (NVOCCs), and freight forwarders to ensure that the financial assistance provided through these waivers reaches actual exporters directly, guaranteeing that those most affected benefit from the relief.
Port authorities stated that this initiative aims to ease the burden on exporters and support the import-export community amid current geopolitical turmoil affecting cargo shipments to Middle Eastern ports.
