At a meeting with journalists at Shaheed Fazlur Rahman Munshi Auditorium on Thursday, February 27, the port chairman highlighted various aspects to continue the supply chain. In this meeting were also present all board Member of CPA.

Rear Admiral S M Moniruzzaman said that CAP issued a notification yesterday in the interest of the state and to keep the prices of goods stable in the market.

It said that “after loading imported goods from large ships at the outer anchorage of Chittagong Port, lighter ships will have to leave the port boundaries within 72 hours.”

The notification signed by the Deputy Conservator of CPA said that in the holy month of Ramadan, to keep the supply chain of all goods, including daily necessities, stable prices in the market and to keep the activities of Chittagong Port uninterrupted and safe navigation, lighter ships have been ordered to leave the port boundaries within 72 hours after loading the goods. Otherwise, legal action will be taken as per the Chittagong Port Act and the International Port and Ship Facilities (ISPS) Code.

The notification mentioned that after loading goods from the mother vessel at the outer anchorage of Chittagong Port, the lighter ships stay in different places within the port limits for days without any logical reason. This has an adverse effect on the supply system and the general public, creates an artificial shortage of goods in the market, increases the prices of goods and has a negative impact on consumers.

Stating that such an attempt to increase prices by creating an artificial shortage in the market is against the state and public interest, the notification further said that due to the presence of such a large number of lighter ships in a limited area, security is disrupted and other supply management is also disrupted.

The chairman addressed the media, saying that a lot depends on the news disseminated by the media, “The image of Chittagong International Port largely depends on the reports you disseminate.” He advised them to contact the concerned authorities if any information is required.

Responding to a question on whether there is a shortage of edible oil, Ports Secretary Omar Farooq told The Daily Morning Glory, “In the last two months, 342,500 metric tons of oil have been imported, which is about 5% more than last year.”

To be noted :

CPA is facing a severe shortage of lighter vessels, with over 400 privately owned vessels remaining idle at the outer anchorage, causing significant disruptions in the supply chain.

This shortage, combined with severe container congestion at the country’s busiest port, is further escalating operational challenges and leading to financial losses for stakeholders.

According to the Chattogram Port Authority, the port handles approximately 3,000 privately owned lighter vessels, oil tankers and industrial cargo ships. Among them, around 1,800 privately owned lighter vessels are frequently used by importers as floating warehouses, further exacerbating delays.