Bangladesh: river vessel worker strike affects imports

The import of clinker in Bangladesh has been affected as a result of the indefinite nationwide strike by Bangladesh River Vessel Workers' Federation (BRVWF), who demand a fixed minimum wage, improved compensation in case of accidental death and improved security. 

Five vessels carrying around 200,000t of clinker and a ship loaded with limestone have been waiting at outer anchorage of Chittagong Port to offload their cargo through lighter vessels, which are currently part of the strike. There has been no loading or unloading at the port since Monday night. 

However, cement production is expected to remain unaffected by the hold-up in clinker delivery in the short term, according to Bangladesh cement industry sources.