The Chattogram Port Authority (CPA) has ordered all lighter vessels to leave the port within 72 hours after loading imported goods from mother vessels anchored at the outer anchorage.

The directive, issued in a notification yesterday, aimed to maintain an uninterrupted supply chain, stabilise the prices of essential commodities ahead of Ramadan, and ensure smooth port operations and navigational safety, said CPA Secretary Md Omar Faruk.

CPA Deputy Conservator Captain Faridul Alam issued the order in the 'public interest,' warning that failure to comply would result in legal action under the Chittagong Port Authority Act and the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code.

The notification said that lighter vessels are often found anchored within port limits for extended periods without valid reasons, disrupting the supply chain and creating artificial shortages that drive up market prices, negatively affecting consumers.

"Such an attempt to inflate the price by creating an artificial market crisis goes against the state or public interest," it added.

Additionally, the presence of a large number of lighter vessels in the limited port area not only disrupts logistics but also poses security risks to foreign vessel movement, it said.

Chattogram port handles imported bulk cargo, including essential commodities and industrial raw materials, which are transferred from mother vessels to smaller lighter vessels at the outer anchorage before being transported to around 60 river ports nationwide via inland waterways.

Over 1,400 lighter vessels are engaged in unloading imports and distributing goods across the country.

A recent report published by The Daily Star highlighted that a significant number of these vessels remain anchored with loaded cargo at various locations for prolonged periods, leading to a space shortage of available vessels for unloading goods from mother vessels.