Following the arrival of the LPG tanker Shivalik, another Indian-flagged vessel, Nanda Devi, reached Gujarat’s Vadinar Port on Tuesday, carrying over 47,000 metric tons of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG). The ship successfully crossed the conflict-affected Strait of Hormuz, becoming the second such vessel to safely complete the transit amid rising tensions in the region.
A day earlier, Shivalik had docked at Mundra Port with more than 46,000 metric tons of LPG. Officials noted that its cargo was substantial enough to meet nearly one day of India’s total LPG import requirement. The shipment was also equivalent to approximately 32.4 lakh standard 14.2-kg domestic LPG cylinders used by households across the country.
The timely arrival of both vessels is expected to ease concerns over a potential LPG shortage. In recent days, several areas have reported long queues for cylinders, while small businesses such as restaurants, hotels, and street vendors have expressed fears of operational disruptions due to limited supply.
Earlier, Shipping Ministry official Rajesh Kumar Sinha had indicated that both Shivalik and Nanda Devi would arrive in India around mid-March, after receiving clearance to pass through the Strait of Hormuz. He also confirmed that Indian seafarers in the Persian Gulf region remain safe and that no adverse incidents had been reported.
With Nanda Devi now in port, around 24,000 metric tons of LPG from its cargo is expected to be transported to Tamil Nadu, helping to support regional demand.
The arrival of these two major shipments is likely to bring short-term stability to LPG availability in India, even as global supply chains remain under pressure due to geopolitical tensions in West Asia.
