Foreign Tanker Carrying 6 Million Liters of Smuggled Fuel Seized in the Gulf of Oman

Sea News – Judicial authorities in Hormozgan province have seized a foreign tanker carrying 6 million liters of smuggled diesel in the waters of the Gulf of Oman.

According to Fars News Agency from Bandar Abbas, Mojtaba Ghahremani, Head of the Hormozgan Judiciary, stated that the operation was carried out to combat fuel smuggling networks and prevent illegal activities along the southern coast of Iran. The tanker was intercepted yesterday near Jask in Iranian territorial waters.

Ghahremani added that the vessel had no valid maritime documents, including voyage papers or cargo manifest, and had turned off all navigation and auxiliary systems, indicating an attempt to evade authorities.

The tanker had 18 crew members, who are nationals of India, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh. Their cases are currently under judicial review.

This seizure highlights the authorities’ determination to tackle fuel smuggling in the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman, sending a clear warning that illegal fuel transport in Iranian waters will face strict consequences.