A severe fuel shortage has disrupted lighter vessel operations at Chattogram Port, leaving foreign mother vessels stranded at the outer anchorage. Normally, about 1,200 lighter vessels transport goods from these large ships to various destinations across Bangladesh, but the number has dropped by half due to the diesel crisis. Only a few vessels are operating short routes, while most remain idle, severely slowing cargo unloading and creating artificial shortages of essential goods. Importers are also paying daily demurrage charges of thousands of dollars for delayed unloading.

Port officials said that 100 mother vessels were in port waters last Saturday, nearly double the usual number, with 27 waiting for unloading. The shortage of lighter vessels has particularly affected coal shipments for power plants, leaving three coal-laden mother vessels idle. Bangladesh-China Power Company Limited reported that its 1,320 MW plant in Patuakhali needs 935,000 liters of diesel monthly to maintain operations and has urged authorities to ensure supply.

Industry representatives warned that without immediate crisis management and fuel allocation, the situation could damage Bangladesh’s trade reputation and further strain the national economy.