Bangladesh: Fuel crisis impacting port operations
Local Correspondents, Interport, have advised of an ongoing fuel crisis impacting port operations.
Bangladesh is currently facing a severe national diesel fuel crisis triggered by the ongoing Iran conflict, which has caused major international suppliers to declare force majeure on contracted shipments.
The direct impact on Chittagong outer anchorage has been acute: diesel supply to marine operators has collapsed to approximately 25% of daily requirements, leaving only around 90 of the port's ~2,000 registered lighter vessels operational. Discharge times have more than doubled to 12–15 days, with some vessels already waiting 19+ days against a normal 5–7 day turnaround and there is no near-term resolution in sight.
Interport’s attached advisory sets out the full situation assessment and specific protective measures they recommend all parties implement without delay - including prompt tendering of NOR, meticulous delay documentation attributable to the unavailability of lighter vessels / barges, and formal notice to Charterers of the situation.