Ukraine raises blanket rates for cargo handling in the ports
Ukrainian Transportation & Communication Ministry unveils plan to raise blanket rates for foreign cargo handling by ports in November by 30%, the Ministry’s press center reports according to APK –Inform. The report underlines that last indexation of rates (15%-increase) was in 2004. Current handling cost supplement is caused by considerable growth in expenses of Ukrainian ports for fuels, lubricants and other materials, minimal wages, repair and energy. Total port cost percentage grew in Ukraine from 2004 to 2006 by 40%.
According to the Ministry, this raise of blanket rates is to increase income of Ukrainian ports by 30 gryvnas in November-December, which, in its turn, will enable them to increase allocations into state budget and to cover part of expenses. Besides, this measure will help in preventing un-profitability of the ports. The raise of blanket rates will also help to attract private investments into development of the ports and, consequently increase competitiveness of Ukrainian ports. According to experts, raised blanket rates for basic range of foreign cargo are to preserve competitiveness of as compared with Black Sea ports of Russia. Currently the order is under procedure of reconciliation at corresponding authorities in compliance with the legislation.
