What resolved the oil-import dispute at Toamasina port, and which vessels were involved?

The dispute eased when the state-contracted tanker Sunda 1 made way for the privately contracted Torm Eva at a berth in Toamasina port. The Torm Eva, ordered by a group including TotalEnergies SE, will unload gasoline and kerosene, while the Sunda 1—carrying diesel from China—did not unload and will return later, according to Madagascar’s hydrocarbons department.

Why did Madagascar’s government end the private group’s long-standing control over oil imports, and what concerns did the private group raise?

On July 1, the government passed a law ending Groupement Petrolier de Madagascar’s (GPM) two-decade monopoly on oil-product imports and announced plans to requisition port storage facilities for state shipments. In response, GPM warned of potential fuel shortages and expressed concern it would lose control over product origin—raising the risk of being forced to distribute sanctioned oil, including possible Russian fuel, especially after Russia held talks with Madagascar earlier in the year about building fuel storage facilities.

Madagascar Oil-Import Dispute Eases as Tanker Gives Way at Port

Aug 14, 2026

A tanker dispute in Madagascar has eased after the Torm Eva yielded to the state-contracted Sunda 1 at Toamasina port. This resolves tensions following a government law ending a private group's long-standing monopoly on oil imports involving firms like TotalEnergies and Vitol.

bloomberg

2026-08-14

Madagascar Oil-Import Dispute Eases as Tanker Gives Way at Port

Madagascar Oil-Import Dispute Eases as Tanker Gives Way at Port

FAQ