Middle East crisis: LPG carrier Nanda Devi docked at Vadinar Port from Hormuz strait; supply relief expected

PTC Web Desk: India has received a major boost to its domestic LPG supply as two large tankers successfully reached Gujarat ports after navigating the sensitive Strait of Hormuz, despite escalating tensions in the Middle East. On Tuesday, the LPG carrier Nanda Devi docked at Vadinar Port, bringing with it over 47,000 metric tonne of liquefied petroleum gas. This comes just a day after another tanker, Shivalik, arrived at Mundra Port carrying more than 46,000 metric tonne of LPG.

Officials highlighted that the cargo delivered by Shivalik alone is equivalent to nearly 32.4 lakh standard domestic cylinders (14.2 kg each), sufficient to meet approximately one day of India’s total LPG import demand. The timely arrival of both vessels is expected to ease pressure on the country’s fuel supply chain.

Earlier, Rajesh Kumar Sinha, Special Secretary in the Shipping Ministry, had confirmed that both tankers were scheduled to reach India on March 16 and 17. He also assured that Indian maritime operations in the region remain secure.

According to the ministry, around 24 Indian-flagged vessels are currently operating in the Persian Gulf region, west of the Strait of Hormuz. Importantly, no untoward incidents involving Indian seafarers have been reported in the past 24 hours, and all personnel are safe.

With the arrival of Nanda Devi, authorities are planning to dispatch nearly 24,000 metric tonne of LPG to Tamil Nadu to meet regional demand.

The back-to-back arrival of these shipments comes at a crucial time, as several parts of the country have been witnessing long queues for LPG cylinders. Small businesses such as eateries, roadside vendors, and local shops have expressed concern over potential disruptions due to limited availability.

Industry experts believe that these fresh supplies will help stabilise the situation in the short term and reduce fears of a prolonged shortage.