News
India's Directorate General of Shipping (DGS) is mulling over removing a notorious Right of First Refusal (RoFR) perquisite granted by the government to local shipping lines to carry export-import crude oil, petroleum products, liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and bulk cargo for public sector undertakings. Under the scheme, Indian shipping lines have the right of first refusal to match the lowest rate quoted by a foreign shipping line and take the contract.
Foreign ocean carriers have also been lobbying to the government to abolish the Right of First Refusal rule as discriminatory against foreign-flag lines.
In May, India's Ministry of Shipping relaxed the cabotage restrictions, allowing foreign-flag ships to transport transhipment (T/S) and empty containers on domestic routes.
