Iran Seizes Tanker Carrying Illegal Fuel, Bangladeshi Crew Among Detained

International Desk

Published: 14 December 2025, 11:40 am

Picture: Collected

Iranian authorities have detained a foreign tanker with a Bangladeshi crew in the Oman Sea, according to state media on Saturday, December 13. The tanker was carrying 6 million liters of “smuggled diesel”, the report cited the judiciary of Hormozgan province.

Among the 18 crew members, several are Bangladeshi, while others are from India and Sri Lanka, though the exact numbers by nationality were not disclosed. The captain of the vessel is also under investigation.

Authorities claim the tanker violated multiple regulations, including:

- Ignoring stop orders

- Attempting to escape

- Lacking proper navigation and cargo documentation

Due to widespread fuel subsidies and the weak national currency, Iran has some of the cheapest fuel prices in the world, leading to extensive smuggling by land and sea to neighboring countries and Gulf states.

Iranian officials said that the vessel’s navigation systems were completely disabled during the seizure. Such operations are routine in the region, targeting ships suspected of illegally transporting fuel in the Gulf.

Iran Tanker Seizure Illegal Fuel Smuggling Oman Sea Detention Bangladeshi Crew Detained Hormozgan Judiciary Gulf Smuggling Operations Iranian Fuel Subsidies Vessel Regulation Violation Indian and Sri Lankan Crew