TEHRAN, Iran, May 30
Trend:
Export transportation fees have tripled since the coronavirus spread that has effected export sector, said the head of Iran Export Confederation.
"Almost all neighbor countries have closed borders to Iranian goods since February 20; however, the demand for transportation via rail and sea has increased and affected the prices," said Mohammad Lahouti, Trend reports citing ILNA.
"Export transportation fees via railway and sea have tripled in past three months, as the official foreign currency rate in Iran's Forex Management Integrated System (NIMA) increased 30 percent," he said.
"Increase of foreign currency rate and lack of balance in supply and demand market during coronavirus pandemic created unhealthy competition and prices increased irrationally," he added. "The rise of demand for railway and sea transportation between Iran and other countries due to sanctions led to increase of prices. In terms of railway transportation Iran had little export except to Eurasian countries."
"While in the normal situation, 20 wagons were engaged in goods transportation in Iran, the figure has increased to 200 wagons, while the increase of the demand led to abuse and abnormal rise of prices," he added.
"Current problems were discussed during a meeting with Iran Railway Company and the working group at the High Council of the Export; however, the Railway Company stated the rail wagons are assigned to private companies and rise of price is out of their control, although public organizations can still monitor prices," he said.
"The increase of transportation prices had a negative effect on the export. Given that foreign currency revenues are important, export should be supported," he added.