Delivery problems at the Port of Durban are threatening the supply of goods needed by Indian retailers for the Diwali festival, raising concerns about shortages and price increases. Over the past two months, stores dealing in prayer items and other suppliers of Hindu festival goods have not received the full volume of ordered merchandise.
These delays have negatively impacted businesses, and many entrepreneurs fear they will be unable to meet customer demand ahead of Diwali, which is celebrated on November 8th.
Kourisha Maharaja from Maharaj’s Prayer Goods reported that she has yet to receive numerous items imported from India. Among the expected shipments are Diwali decorations, spices and snacks, as well as clay lamps. Maharaja specified that port authorities cited a failure in computer systems, preventing them from planning container placement for cargo release. She noted that a container with goods is in the harbor, but according to her, the authorities lack both the capacity and knowledge to clear it.
Maharaja also mentioned that a shipment intended for sale during Navaratri is still waiting at the port. She stated that the business has 'suffered' due to the port delays. The company placed orders and purchased goods back in August, two months before the start of the prayer festival season, considering that delivery takes four to six weeks.
Due to the delays, some goods had to be sourced from suppliers in Johannesburg. However, this resulted in additional transportation costs, meaning customers have to pay more. According to Maharaja, they had to limit the number of prayer items sold to customers because 'the delay in releasing the goods caused a serious problem. We are disappointing our customers.'
One of the largest importers of Indian cultural goods, based in Springfield Park and who wished to remain anonymous, confirmed that his business and many other suppliers of religious and cultural items are facing delivery delays. The company representative stated: 'The conditions at the port mean that many businesses have faced supply delays. We are waiting for the delivery of Diwali stock, such as decorations, packaging, and clay lamps from India.' He added that despite having some stock, missing the seasonal delivery will lead to customer disappointment as they cannot provide the promised goods.
This representative expressed hope for an improvement in the situation within the next two weeks so that the goods can be delivered. Sandra John from Nishan’s Prayer Goods reported that she has not yet been affected by the port delays. She explained that she purchases goods in advance from an importer and currently has sufficient stock for Diwali. John noted that while her business performed well during the Posht month and Navaratri, 'business will stop' if the port delays continue.
The Transnet port terminal in Durban was unable to provide comment.