The Chittagong Port Authority has ordered the lighter vessels to exit the port boundary within 72 hours after loading imported goods from larger vessels at the outer anchorage.
The directive was announced on Wednesday to prevent artificial market shortages and stabilise commodity prices.
According to a notice, signed by the CPA deputy conservator Captain Faridul Alam, the directive is intended to ensure an uninterrupted supply chain, particularly for essential commodities during the Ramadan.
Non-compliance will result in legal action under the act of Chittagong port and the International Ship and Port Facility Security Code, said the notice.
The CPA notice stated that many lighter vessels remained anchored for prolonged periods without valid reasons after completing cargo loading, disrupting the supply chain, contributing to artificial shortages, inflating market prices, and adversely affecting consumers.
The authority warned that creating artificial scarcity and price manipulation contradicts public and state interests. Additionally, excessive congestion of lighter vessels within a confined area not only poses security risk but also hinders overall supply chain management.
CPA secretary Omar Faruk said that to prevent artificial market shortages, they had imposed higher penalty fees.
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