Bulkstream Limited, a grain handling company owned by Mombasa-based businessman Mohamed Jaffer, is asserting its legal rights over wheat shipments of Ugandan importer Pan Afric Commodities, citing 1.1 million in unpaid handling and storage fees. The firm confirmed it retains a lien over 1,514 tonnes of Ukrainian wheat currently held at the port of Mombasa.
1.1 million fees trigger wheat dispute
In a statement, Bulkstream, led by Mohamed Jaffers son, Mujtaba Jaffer , said it had opposed a court application by Pan Afric Commodities seeking the unconditional release of its cargo. The company explained that it had entered into a bailment agreement with the Ugandan importer, under which Bulkstream, as bailee, has the right to retain possession of the wheat until accrued fees are settled. As of September 30, the unpaid charges stood at 1.1 million.