LPG Operators Association of Bangladesh (LOAB) has urged the Chittagong Port Authority (CPA) and other authorities concerned to take action against the import of illegal liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) from countries under global sanctions, reports UNB.
According to official sources, LOAB sent a letter to the CPA on October 6 alleging that an LPG vessel named GAS GMS, supplied by Octane Energy Group FZCO, arrived in Chittagong Port on October 3. This vessel is suspected of carrying LPG sourced from Iran, a country currently under international sanctions.
Additionally, another vessel, Captain Nikolas, also suspected to be loaded with Iranian LPG, was scheduled to arrive in Chattogram on October 6, it said.
"We have credible information indicating that, like previous cases, this vessel will falsely declare its cargo as being loaded from Iraq -- a country that does not load such vessels. This deliberate misrepresentation further compounds the illegal nature of these shipments," the letter reads.
The association formally requested the CPA to immediately take action to stop the discharge of LPG from the two vessels, detain the vessels & crew and conduct a full and thorough investigation into both vessels, including verification of the actual country of origin of the LPG cargo on board.
It said it would not take responsibility for such unlawful activities that violate international sanctions and undermine the integrity of Bangladesh's LPG market.
"We are fully prepared to cooperate with all relevant authorities in ensuring that these illegal shipments are intercepted and that the individuals responsible are held accountable," said the LOAB letter.
The association also mentioned that it had earlier sent two separate letters -- one addressing the Adviser of the Ministry of Shipping on September 11 where it highlighted the illegal entry of LPG cargo from suppliers such as Octane Energy Group FZCO, ManasiGroup, and Merano Group.
The other letter was addressed to the Governor of Bangladesh Bank, dated September 11, emphasising the need for stringent financial oversight to prevent LPG import from courtiers facing sanction.
Official sources said following the letter to the CPA, it formed a four-member investigation committee, headed by its CPA Assistant Harbour Master (PFS) Captain Md Mostasim Billah while the other members will be representatives of Mercantile Marine Office, Customs and the Coast Guard.
A source said that the Coast Guard also detained the vessel for investigation. But before completion of the investigation, the vessels were allowed to unload the products.
