Middle East conflict disrupts Iran bitumen supply to Karwar port
Karwar : Commercial operations at the port in Karwar have been affected following disruptions in the supply of crude bitumen from Iran due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
The commercial harbour in Uttara Kannada district usually receives cargo ships carrying crude bitumen from Iran every month. The material is widely used in road construction and other infrastructure projects across Karnataka and nearby regions. However, the current geopolitical tensions in the region have disrupted shipping routes, preventing vessels from reaching the Karwar port.
As a result, port activity has slowed significantly over the past several days. Trucks that had arrived to transport the bitumen from the harbour have been lined up near the port area without work for nearly ten days.
Transport operators said the halt in shipments has left many truck owners facing losses as their vehicles remain idle. Drivers and labourers who depend on port-related work have also been affected, as loading and unloading activities have come to a standstill.
The disruption has also created challenges in diesel supply that usually arrives through maritime routes from Gulf countries. Due to the reduced movement of cargo vessels, diesel required for the INS Kadamba naval base is now reportedly being transported from Mumbai.
Sources indicate that the decline in shipping activity has caused a major financial setback to the port. Officials estimate that the commercial harbour is incurring losses of nearly ₹70–80 lakh every month due to the drop in cargo handling and vessel traffic.
Local traders and workers dependent on the port have expressed concern over the situation, warning that prolonged disruption in shipments could affect livelihoods and regional trade.
Stakeholders say alternative arrangements or new supply sources may be required if the situation in the Middle East continues to disrupt maritime logistics. Until shipping services resume, uncertainty is likely to persist for businesses and workers linked to Karwar’s port-based economy.
