Indian import ban puts petrapole workers, traders in distress

India’s new import directive has had a significant impact on the Petrapole land port in North 24 Parganas of West Bengal. The number of goods-laden trucks entering India from Bangladesh has dropped sharply, leaving thousands of workers, port labourers, and small traders associated with the port in a difficult situation.

Reports indicate that around 200 to 225 trucks enter Petrapole from Bangladesh’s Benapole port daily. However, this number fell to just 45 last Sunday. The previous day, Saturday, around 150 trucks crossed over. The worst hit is the garment sector, which used to see 70 to 80 trucks on average daily—and over 150 during peak festive seasons. This import flow has now nearly come to a standstill.

Stakeholders blame the recent directive from India’s Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) for the situation. The new guideline prohibits the import of goods like garments, fruits, and wooden furniture via land routes. These items must now be imported exclusively by sea.

Kartik Chakraborty, Secretary of the Petrapole Clearing Agents’ Staff Welfare Association, said, “Exports from Bangladesh continue as usual, but imports into India have been severely disrupted. The central government’s decision has pushed small importers into a state of crisis.”

Mir Abdul Hashem, President of the Petrapole Exporters and Importers Welfare Association, said, “While this ban might benefit large industrial groups, it is proving disastrous for small importers along the border. They cannot afford the higher costs of importing goods via sea routes.”

According to experts, the new directive will directly affect the earnings of thousands of workers, port laborers, small transport companies, and local traders in the Petrapole area. They also warn that such restrictions on border trade could negatively impact the long-standing commercial ties between India and Bangladesh.