Bilateral trade hit, but import of rock salt on

Neeraj Bagga & GS Paul

Tribune News Service

Amritsar, July 1

Even after 200 per cent hike in customs duty on the import of goods from Pakistan, commercial viability of rock salt due to its low prices keep failed to impact its trade.

Pardeep Sehgal, a trader who used to import rock salt, said Indian traders were procuring rock salt at Rs 2 per kg from Pakistan. “Even after 200 per cent duty, it costs Rs 6 per kg. After incurring loading and unloading charges, the traders have been selling it across the country,” he said.

“There is a good demand for rock salt, as it is preferred over sea salt due to its health benefits,” Sehgal added. This salt comes in rock and powder forms.

Another importer Gaurav Gupta said, “After the halt in imports from Pakistan, prices of many products such as cement, glass and cost of rock salt have spiked in the retail market.”

The Indian government has raised the customs duty on the import of goods from Pakistan by 200 per cent following the attack on a CRPF convoy in Pulwama on February 14.

Consequently, the volume of bilateral trade came down from nearly 200 trucks daily to about five trucks a day.

Meanwhile, if the customs officials are to be believed, the needle of suspicion could not be raised over the rock salt consignment as its value is too less even after imposition of 200 per cent duty.

Customs Assistant Commissioner Arvind Kumar said a truck load of rock salt would not cost more than Rs 10 lakh and the importer would also not mind paying exorbitant duty.

This particular consignment ordered by city-based importer Gurpinder Singh arrived on June 26 and was unloaded in open till June 29 when the officials discovered the huge quantity of heroin concealed in it.

It’s still profitable

Even after 200 per cent duty, the rock salt costs Rs 6 per kg. The traders have been making profits by selling it across the country.  Pardeep Sehgal, Trader