Customs clearing agents at Kolkata port have halted their works, citing the failure of the Nepali importers to pay demurrage charge on time.

Bijaya Kumar Sarawagi, coordinator of the import committee of the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry, said that the agents stopped their works since last Friday, citing the failure of the importers to pay demurrage charge on time.

"This matter may affect foreign trade of Nepal," he said, adding that the agents insisted that they would not return to work until Nepali importers pay the charge worth around Rs 400 billion so far.

He said that the agents resorted to the move after they had been pressed to make payments to more than 100 shipping agencies and transport entrepreneurs.

Sarawagi said that many Nepali importers are finding it hard to pay the demurrage charge due to the restriction of Nepal-bound cargo and fuel vehicles on Nepal-India border and ongoing agitations in Nepal.

The Nepali importers said that hundreds of Nepal-headed cargo and goods vehicles have been stuck at the border crossings due to the restrictions.