Basmati from Fazilka stuck at ports amid West Asia crisis

Lakhs of tonnes of basmati rice worth crores of rupees, including consignments from Fazilka, have been stuck at various ports following attacks by the US and Israeli forces on Iran.

Kapil Gumber, a leading rice exporter and the president of the Rice Millers’ Association, said according to a report by the All-India Rice Exporters’ Association, nearly two lakh tonnes of Indian rice had been held up midway due to the war.

“Nearly 100 containers belonging to my firm have been held up at different locations,” said Gumber.

Shipping costs spike

Gumber alleged that shipping agencies were demanding an additional USD 2,000 per shipment as a “war surcharge” to ensure safe delivery of consignments as the conflict has disrupted shipping routes across West East.