Which LPG shipments to Bangladesh are linked to new US sanctions on Iran’s oil trade
In early 2025, the Panama-flagged vessel Gas Dior, owned by Panama-based Aerilyn Shipping Inc, reportedly delivered over 17,000 tonnes of Iranian LPG to Bangladesh for Octane Energy FZCO, which has now also been sanctioned, according to the US Treasury
The United States has sanctioned more than 50 companies, individuals, and vessels accused of helping Iran export petroleum and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), including entities tied to shipments that reached Bangladesh.
In a recent statement, the US Department of the Treasury cited two specific shipments of Iranian LPG delivered to Bangladesh involving vessels and entities under sanctions, along with general references to ongoing transport activities.
"These actors have enabled the export of billions of dollars' worth of petroleum and petroleum products, providing critical revenue to the Iranian regime," the Treasury said.
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Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the new sanctions aim to dismantle Iran's "energy export machine" as part of Washington's ongoing "maximum economic pressure" campaign.
In the statement, UAE-based Slogal Energy DMCC and Markan White Trading Crude Oil Abroad Co LLC were accused of facilitating Iranian LPG shipments to South Asia since 2024. The US Treasury said multiple consignments reached "end users in Sri Lanka and Bangladesh."
In early 2025, the Panama-flagged vessel Gas Dior, owned by Panama-based Aerilyn Shipping Inc, reportedly delivered over 17,000 tonnes of Iranian LPG to Bangladesh for Octane Energy FZCO, which has now also been sanctioned, according to the US Treasury.
Earlier in late 2024, the Comoros-flagged Ada (formerly Captain Nikolas) transported Iranian LPG to several customers in Bangladesh. The ship, owned by UAE-based Sea Ship Management LLC, is now listed as "blocked property" under the sanctions.
Nikolas, carrying 34,000 tonnes of LPG, remained stranded for months due to legal complications. After prolonged negotiations, it was allowed to resume gas transfer operations on 5 September this year. Vessel-tracking data show it remains anchored at Chattogram Port.
While no Bangladeshi company or government entity has been sanctioned, the mention of these deliveries places Bangladesh within the scope of Washington's expanding enforcement network.
The US Treasury warned that foreign firms involved in such transactions risk secondary sanctions, including exclusion from the US financial system.
