First LPG shipment arrives in Ctg through Hormuz since Iran war started

Only one LPG-carrying vessel has reached Bangladesh from the Middle East since tensions escalated in the region, with shipping through the Strait of Hormuz virtually suspended, according to port data and shipping sources.

No ships have arrived via the key route since the outbreak of conflict, leaving at least two fuel-laden tankers stranded in the region.

Against this backdrop, a small LPG tanker, MT BWEK Bornholm, arrived in Chattogram's Sitakunda on 25 March via the Gulf of Oman, carrying around 3,800 tonnes of liquefied petroleum gas.

Industry insiders said it is the first LPG shipment to arrive from the conflict-affected zone since the Iran war began on 28 February.

The cargo was imported by BM Energy (BD) Ltd, a concern of Smart Group.

Earlier this month, seven vessels delivered a combined 39,716 tonnes of LPG to Chattogram Port and Sitakunda, though all originated outside the conflict-hit route.

Among them, Morning Jane transported 4,968 tonnes in two consignments from Malaysia, while Senna 9 and Schumi 7 carried shipments from India. Additional cargoes arrived on Epic Sunter from Malaysia and Paul from Singapore.

Another vessel, LPG Sevan, brought 7,020 tonnes from Oman, but departed before tensions escalated.

Captain Moinul Ahsan, executive director of Smart Group, said Bangladesh remains heavily reliant on Middle Eastern sources for LPG.

"Since the war began, we have been maintaining close communication with suppliers to keep the supply chain intact. At our request, one supplier arranged shipment from within the conflict zone," he said.

Humayun Kabir, proprietor of Seaside Traders and local agent of the tanker, said the vessel left Oman's Duqm Port in mid-March, discharged part of its cargo in Sri Lanka, and unloaded the remainder at Sitakunda before departing last Friday.

Hormuz route shut

Regional tensions surged after strikes on Iran on 28 February triggered retaliation, spreading conflict across the Middle East.

Iranian authorities subsequently declared the Strait of Hormuz closed, raising security risks across the Persian Gulf.

A drone attack on an oil tanker near Oman's Duqm port on 3 March further heightened concerns.

Captain Anam Chowdhury, president of the Bangladesh Merchant Marine Officers' Association, said a vast maritime corridor – from the Persian Gulf through the Strait of Hormuz, Gulf of Oman, Bab el-Mandeb and the Red Sea – has been designated a war-risk zone by the International Bargaining Forum.

"No vessel can pass through Hormuz from the Persian Gulf without Iran's approval now. Even vessels operating from Oman are facing significantly higher war-risk insurance premiums," he said, adding that transport costs have risen sharply.

Two tankers remain stranded

Diplomatic efforts are underway to secure safe passage for Bangladesh-bound vessels. Sources said Dhaka has requested Tehran's cooperation, and Iran has responded positively, seeking detailed information on the vessels.

Bangladesh sent a formal letter to Iran's foreign ministry on 25 March, detailing the stranded ships.

However, as of Saturday, the two tankers have yet to cross the strait.

One of them, MT Libreltha, is carrying around 62,000 tonnes of liquefied natural gas from Qatar's Ras Laffan port.

The other, MT Nordic Pollux, loaded with about 1,00,000 tonnes of crude oil from Saudi Arabia's Ras Tanura terminal, is also awaiting clearance. Data from MarineTraffic shows both vessels remain anchored near their respective loading points.

Supply uncertainty grows

According to the National Board of Revenue, Bangladesh sourced about 80% of its crude oil, 65% of LNG and 51% of LPG imports from the Middle East in the first eight months of FY26.

While refined fuel imports largely come from other Asian countries, those suppliers also depend heavily on Middle Eastern crude, leaving Bangladesh exposed to prolonged disruptions.

Industry insiders warned that unless transit through the strait resumes soon, shipment delays could worsen, increasing pressure on fuel supply chains.

They said a diplomatic breakthrough ensuring safe passage could stabilise the situation quickly. Otherwise, prolonged disruption may drive up costs and deepen uncertainty in LPG and broader energy supplies.