In a significant relief to exporters affected by the ongoing geopolitical disturbances in the Middle East, the Deendayal Port Authority (DPA) has announced a waiver of ground rent and reefer plug-in charges for export containers stranded inside the port premises.
The decision follows directives issued by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways on March 6, 2026, outlining a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for major ports to mitigate the impact of disruptions in the Middle East trade routes. Acting under the provisions of the Major Port Authorities Act, 2021 and the applicable tariff policy, DPA issued a trade notice on March 16 to implement immediate relief measures for the EXIM community.
As part of the relief package, the terminal operator at DPA will grant a 100% waiver of ground rent or dwell time charges for up to 15 days, covering the period from February 28, 2026 (0000 hrs) to March 14, 2026 (2400 hrs). This benefit applies to containers that were already inside the terminal on February 28 or those that gated into the terminal until 0700 hrs on March 8, 2026.
Additionally, 80% waiver on reefer plug-in charges will be provided for stranded reefer containers carrying perishable goods during the same 15-day period.
To further support exporters, the port has taken several proactive steps. The terminal has allowed stranded containers to remain stored in its container yards until shipment is possible. The port is also working closely with customs authorities to permit laden containers from other ports, originally destined for the Middle East, to be temporarily stored at the DPA terminal as transshipment cargo. Additional storage space has also been allocated to handle the increased cargo load.
DPA has also directed shipping lines, NVOCCs, and freight forwarders to ensure that the financial relief provided through these waivers is passed on to the actual exporters, ensuring that the benefits reach those directly affected.
The port authorities stated that the move is aimed at reducing the burden on exporters and supporting the EXIM trade community during the ongoing geopolitical disruptions impacting shipments to Middle Eastern ports.