LPG Tankers Reach Gujarat Ports After Risky Hormuz Transit Amid Supply Concerns

Bhuj, March 2026 : In a significant boost to India’s energy supply chain, the Indian-flagged LPG tanker ‘Nanda Devi’ arrived at Vadinar Port on Tuesday morning, becoming the second such vessel to reach the country’s west coast this week after ‘Shivalik’ docked at Mundra Port a day earlier.

Both tankers carried crucial liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) supplies and navigated a highly risky route through the Strait of Hormuz, where shipping activity has been severely disrupted due to ongoing tensions involving Iran, the United States, and Israel.

The strait, a vital artery for global energy shipments, has witnessed a sharp decline in commercial vessel movement since late February, as escalating military actions and security warnings heightened risks for maritime operators.

In response to concerns over domestic LPG availability, authorities at Kandla Port issued directives to prioritise berthing for LPG-carrying ships. The Deendayal Port Authority, in a circular to vessel agents, said the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways had instructed ports nationwide to ensure swift docking and unloading of such cargo to maintain uninterrupted cooking gas supplies.

The ‘Shivalik’, which transported around 46,000 tonnes of LPG from Qatar, completed a nine-day voyage and berthed at Mundra Port on Monday evening. Port authorities had made advance arrangements, including expedited documentation and priority docking, allowing immediate commencement of discharge operations.

Officials indicated that both vessels are part of a broader strategy to strengthen LPG availability for both domestic and industrial consumption, as India remains significantly dependent on imports to meet its energy needs.

Prior to the arrival of these tankers, numerous Indian-flagged ships, along with hundreds of seafarers, were stationed in the Persian Gulf, awaiting safer transit conditions as insurers and shipping companies reassessed risks in the volatile region.

The arrival of ‘Nanda Devi’ also reflects ongoing diplomatic and logistical efforts by Indian authorities, including coordination with regional stakeholders and naval support, to ensure safe passage for merchant vessels.

Officials reassured that all Indian seafarers operating in the Gulf remain safe, with no recent reports of incidents involving Indian-flagged ships.

Meanwhile, another vessel, ‘Jag Laadki’, carrying approximately 81,000 tonnes of crude oil from the United Arab Emirates, is currently en route to India.

According to government data, 22 Indian-flagged vessels, with a total of 611 seafarers on board, are currently positioned west of the Strait of Hormuz, underscoring the scale of India’s maritime engagement in the region amid ongoing geopolitical uncertainties.