diff --git a/.gitlab/test_python.sh b/.gitlab/test_python.sh
index 6f62014b5..37d8eaab9 100755
--- a/.gitlab/test_python.sh
+++ b/.gitlab/test_python.sh
@@ -89,7 +89,7 @@ python3 test/python/prep_xfer_perf.py array
 echo "==== Running python examples ===="
 cd examples/python
 python3 nixl_api_example.py
-python3 partial_md_example.py
+python3 partial_md_example.py --init-port "$(get_next_tcp_port)" --target-port "$(get_next_tcp_port)"
 python3 partial_md_example.py --etcd
 python3 query_mem_example.py
 
diff --git a/examples/python/partial_md_example.py b/examples/python/partial_md_example.py
index 9c9dcaae2..8ee3ee5b7 100755
--- a/examples/python/partial_md_example.py
+++ b/examples/python/partial_md_example.py
@@ -77,6 +77,18 @@ def invalidate_target_metadata(
         action="store_true",
         help="Use ETCD for metadata exchange. Must set NIXL_ETCD_ENDPOINTS environment variable.",
     )
+    parser.add_argument(
+        "--init-port",
+        type=int,
+        default=7777,
+        help="Port for initiator used in socket exchange (disabled when using ETCD)",
+    )
+    parser.add_argument(
+        "--target-port",
+        type=int,
+        default=5555,
+        help="Port for target used in socket exchange (disabled when using ETCD)",
+    )
     args = parser.parse_args()
 
     logger.info(
@@ -101,8 +113,8 @@ def invalidate_target_metadata(
 
     # Needed for socket exchange
     ip_addr = "127.0.0.1"
-    target_port = 5555
-    init_port = 7777
+    target_port = args.target_port
+    init_port = args.init_port
     # Example using nixl_agent_config
     agent_config1 = nixl_agent_config(True, True, target_port)