Europe/India carriers raise rates

Europe/India carriers raise rates    Shipping lines of the India Pakistan Bangladesh Ceylon conference, a carrier group in the Europe/Indian Sub-continent trade, said they plan to increase westbound freight rates $250 per TEU, effective Sept. 1.
   The requested increase applies to shipments destined to ports in the United Kingdom, north continental Europe, Scandinavia, the Baltic and the Mediterranean, and originating from Mumbai, Mundra, Kandla, Karachi and other ports within this geographic range.
   “All member lines are facing large increases in costs due to charter rates, which are at an all-time high, as well as a worldwide shortage of containers,” the conference said in a statement. The carrier group also cited continuing port delays and congestion.
   The India Pakistan Bangladesh Ceylon conference has 19 member carriers, including Evergreen, Maersk Sealand and P&O Nedlloyd.