Karwar: The ongoing tensions in the Middle East brought Karwar’s commercial port to a standstill. Iran’s restrictions on ships in the Strait of Hormuz blocked cargo vessels carrying raw asphalt and diesel from reaching the port.Every month, the port receives shipments of raw asphalt from Middle Eastern countries. These supplies are essential for India’s road construction projects. Diesel from Gulf nations also arrives regularly to fuel local transport and the nearby Kadamba Naval Base. Now, all these imports stopped completely, said sources.
Nitish, an official with the Karwar Port Authority, said: “We have no crude asphalt or diesel coming in. The tankers are waiting in line, and the docks are empty. This is causing a lot of trouble for all those involved.” Rows of asphalt tankers are parked outside the port, with no work for the past 10 days. Drivers and truck owners, who depend on the port for their income, are facing hardships. One truck owner said: “We invested everything in this business. Without shipments, we have no jobs now.”The Kadamba Naval Base is also affected. It now transports diesel from Mumbai, which adds extra costs and delays, sources added.Port officials are looking for alternative routes or suppliers, but no quick fixes are in sight.
