After Shivalik, another LPG lifeline reaches India: What Nanda Devi’s arrival means

India received another major shipment of liquefied petroleum gas on Tuesday as the LPG tanker Nanda Devi reached Gujarat’s Vadinar Port after crossing the conflict-hit Strait of Hormuz, officials said.

The vessel carried more than 47,000 metric tons of LPG, making it the second Indian-flagged tanker to safely transit the crucial shipping corridor amid escalating tensions in the Middle East.

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The arrival follows that of Shivalik, another LPG carrier that docked at Mundra Port in Gujarat a day earlier with over 46,000 metric tons of LPG, according to officials. Both vessels had been expected to reach India on March 16 and March 17, respectively, Shipping Ministry Special Secretary Rajesh Kumar Sinha said earlier.

Sinha said that all Indian seafarers in the Persian Gulf region are safe, and no untoward incidents involving them have been reported over the last 24 hour, adding that 24 Indian-flagged vessels were operating in the Persian Gulf region west of the Strait of Hormuz.

He said the two LPG carriers had safely crossed the Strait of Hormuz late Sunday night and early Monday morning before heading toward Indian ports.

LPG shipments expected to ease supply concerns

The arrival of the two tankers is expected to provide temporary relief as there is a growing concern over LPG supply disruptions owing to the Middle East crisis.

The arrival of Shivalik is expected to provide temporary relief as it is equivalent to the demand for 32.4 lakh standard 14.2-kg domestic LPG cylinders, which are being consumed by people across India. This shipment is estimated to meet the country’s demand for LPG imports for nearly one day.

After Nanda Devi arrived at the Vadinar Port, about 24,000 metric tonnes of LPG from the vessel is expected to be sent to Tamil Nadu. The arrival of the two ships is timely as there are growing concerns over LPG distribution, with many cities experiencing a rush of people at LPG distribution centers. Many small business owners, including restaurants, hotels, and street vendors, are also growing concerned over the issue, as it may impact their business.