Amid rising tensions in West Asia, two Indian LPG carriers have safely crossed the Strait of Hormuz. The government confirmed that the vessels are heading towards India without any security concerns. Authorities also urged citizens not to panic buy LPG, petrol or diesel.
Indian LPG vessels cross Strait safely
Two Indian flagged LPG carriers, Shivalik and Nanda Devi, safely crossed the Strait of Hormuz early Saturday morning. Rajesh Kumar, Special Secretary at the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, said during an inter-ministerial briefing, "In the Persian Gulf, on the west of the Strait of Hormuz, there were 24 Indian flag vessels, out of which two vessels Shivalik and Nanda Devi carrying LPG crossed the Strait of Hormuz safely early morning on Saturday and are heading towards India."
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The vessels are transporting around 92,700 metric tons of LPG and are scheduled to arrive in India soon. Rajesh Kumar added, "These vessels are carrying approximately 92,700 metric tons of LPG; their ports of arrival will be Mundra and Kandla, with expected arrival dates of March 16 and March 17, respectively."
He also confirmed that 22 Indian-flagged ships remain in the Persian Gulf with 611 Indian seafarers onboard. “All Indian seafarers in the Persian Gulf region are safe, and no untoward incidents involving them have been reported over the last 24 hours,” he said.
Government assures stable fuel supply
The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas reassured citizens that fuel supplies remain stable across the country. Joint Secretary Sujata Sharma said, “A decision was taken to allocate a certain quantity of LPG to commercial cylinders. These cylinders have been placed at the disposal of state governments to prioritise consumers."
She added that distribution has begun across about 29 states and Union Territories, while online LPG booking currently stands at about 84 per cent and is expected to improve further. The Ministry reiterated that there is no shortage of petrol, diesel or LPG and warned people against unsafe fuel storage. In a statement, the Ministry said, “Petrol and diesel are adequately available at retail outlets across the country." Officials also advised citizens not to store fuel in loose containers as it could pose serious safety risks.
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Despite tensions in West Asia, India’s LPG shipments and maritime operations continue smoothly. With vessels reaching Indian ports soon and fuel supplies stable nationwide, the government has urged citizens to remain calm and avoid panic buying.
