KARACHI, Oct 11: The Rice Exporters Association of Pakistan (REAP) has asked the Pakistan National Shipping Corporation (PNSC) to rescue exporters from the monopolistic attitude of foreign shipping lines which are charging exorbitant freight rates.

In a statement issued here on Monday, REAP Vice-Chairman Muhammad Anwar Mianoor elaborated that due to non-availability of Pakistani flag container services the foreign shipping lines were enhancing freight rates at their will and also levy other unjustified charges.

He resented that all government departments were helpless in checking damaging attitude of these shipping lines which was resulting in high cost of our products in the world market and they become uncompetitive.

Mr Mianoor said that after the news that Sri Lanka was going to purchase Pakistan rice the foreign shipping lines immediately increased their freight rates from $250 to $325 per ton from Karachi to Colombo.

He said that such unilateral increases upset the costing made by exporters at the time of making commitments with buyers. As a result of this practice of foreign shipping lines many exporters suffer huge losses. He appealed to Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz to immediately intervene in the matter to arrest the unhealthy practice of foreign shipping lines.