BOSASO — Businesses across Bosaso remained closed on Saturday as the shutdown of the city’s port entered its 11th consecutive day amid a dispute over newly introduced charges.

Local traders closed their shops in protest after rejecting additional fees imposed by DP World, the company managing Bosaso Port. Business owners say the charges could increase operating costs, disrupt trade and place further pressure on Puntland’s economy.

Bosaso Port is Puntland’s main commercial gateway and handles imports of food, fuel, medicine, construction materials and other essential goods.

The prolonged closure has disrupted the movement of cargo, leaving hundreds of trucks stranded and delaying the loading and unloading of shipments from vessels using the port.

Traders and residents have warned that continued disruption could result in shortages and higher prices for essential commodities, further increasing the cost of living.

The Puntland administration, led by President Said Abdullahi Deni, has not yet issued a formal statement on the prolonged closure or announced measures to resolve the dispute.

Meanwhile, preparations are reportedly under way for demonstrations in Bosaso against the new charges imposed on vehicles and goods passing through the port.