The death toll has been steadily rising owing to shortages in medical oxygen supplies and devices such as oxygen concentrators, oximeters etc., which has necessitated its import and the Government of India (GOI) as a result has slashed the import duties from 77% to 12%. Moreover, short supply led to some people hoarding supplies or reselling the equipment at insanely high price but a strong unity of commoners on social media has proved “unity is power” as people across country were seen helping one another selflessly. Also, many countries and global fund raising foundations have offered assistance with supplying Oxygen plants, concentrators and allied devices in this time of crisis.
While states across the country decided to go under lockdown, the business industry on the other hand found themselves stressing over the circumstances since almost all industries were looking forward to recuperate from the impact of the virus in the year 2020.
But now that the country is battling the worst wave than it ever has, how has it impacted the Logistics Industry?
Owing to lockdown restrictions and reduced operations – a delay in vessel departure and arrival is seen. Moreover, Cyclone Tauktae has recently hit the west coast of India and now having advanced towards Gujarat has forced to issue “signal no. 10” to 5 ports along Saurashtra coast indicating great danger -- meaning these ports remain shut. Given the situation in Mumbai as well, it would come as no surprise if it follows suit.
Coming back to the lockdown restrictions, most factories either remain shut or have zero movements at night (when most transportation movement usually occurs). A reduced production capacity is being experienced as well with most of the factories only producing at 30% capacity.
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A smooth and efficient working in Customs operations can be witnessed owing to digitalization of process. Since, on ground the man force is limited these days with only 30-40% staff operation, hence, almost all the document verification work takes place online – leading to fast clearance unless the staff decides to raise a query in which case normal procedures follow in addition to digital verification.
The budget for 2021 was banking high on the logistics sector for recovery and growth and while it looks difficult or even next to impossible in such circumstances but scope for cold storage owing to vaccine maintenance and transportation looks great. Additionally, increased movement of oxygen cylinders across the country boosts cargo for tidying up and stabilizing the country’s medical infrastructure.