Anti-bifurcation stir hits fertiliser movement at AP ports

In Andhra Pradesh the ongoing anti-bifurcation agitation in the coastal Andhra Pradesh is causing huge loss to ports in the state. Fertiliser handlers at seaports, particularly in Visakhapatnam port, are incurring huge demurrage (a charge payable to the owner of a chartered ship in respect of failure to load or discharge the ship within the time agreed.) losses over the last three weeks due to the agitations.

The Vizag port is seeing only 2,500-3,000 workers against the usual attendance of 5,000 contract workers due to the agitations.

The low labour turnout is affecting fertiliser bagging at port warehouses, resulting in delays and high demurrage losses, said the Visakhapatnam Stevedores Association.