Logistic bottleneck hits hard granite exports from Prakasam

‘Shipping lines are quoting four to five times the regular price’

Enduring the odds induced by the coronavirus pandemic, the granite units in Prakasam district have processed more than 600 container worth natural and artificial stone material. However, the traders are unable to move the containers owing to logistic bottlenecks. Factories in the Building Material Special Economic Zone at Gullapalli in the district alone have more than 400 containers of processed material ready for shipping to various countries. “The shipping lines are quoting four to five times the regular price of about 1,500 to 2,000 US Dollars for various global destinations. Even after this, container spot is not confirmed, making it worse for us,” say a granite unit owner. The ocean carriers also forced shippers to purchase extra products such as customs clearance and insurance to improve shipment prospects. Even after buying the add-on products, there is still no guarantee of shipment of cargo. Pressing for intervention by the Union and State governments, N. Sudhakar of Satya Exports says if the present situation continues for a few weeks more, the production in the SEZ will come to a standstill.