New Delhi: India has accelerated efforts to secure its liquefied petroleum gas supplies as the ongoing conflict in West Asia disrupts maritime trade routes across the Gulf region. With domestic demand for cooking gas remaining high, authorities have prioritised the movement of LPG cargo currently stranded in the Persian Gulf due to heavy fighting near the Strait of Hormuz.
Around six LPG vessels carrying nearly 300,000 tonnes of cooking gas have been anchored in the Gulf as security concerns prevented safe passage through the narrow shipping corridor. The route has been heavily affected by the war involving Iran, Israel and the United States, which has disrupted regular tanker traffic.
Two LPG carriers, Jag Vasant LPG tanker and Pine Gas LPG tanker, have now received clearance to move through the strait after obtaining approval from the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, which currently controls the northern approaches to the waterway. Both ships have successfully crossed the strategic passage and are expected to arrive at Indian ports within the next few days, bringing significant relief to the domestic market.
Under India’s standard operating procedure for navigating sensitive maritime zones, vessels must follow designated routes and secure clearance from regional authorities before entering high risk areas. Diplomatic engagement has helped obtain permissions for selected shipments, though the process can take time due to security assessments and internal approvals.
Two additional Indian flagged tankers carrying about 92,612 tonnes of LPG have also begun sailing from the Persian Gulf and are expected to reach India between March 26 and March 28. The vessels have dozens of Indian seafarers onboard and are transporting nearly a day’s supply of the country’s cooking gas.
Earlier shipments had already reached Indian shores. The LPG tanker MT Shivalik LPG tanker arrived at Mundra Port in Gujarat, while MT Nanda Devi LPG tanker reached Kandla Port shortly afterwards.
The disruptions highlight India’s heavy dependence on energy imports, with a large share of crude oil, natural gas and LPG supplies sourced from Gulf countries and transported through the Strait of Hormuz. Officials are now exploring alternative supply routes and increasing domestic production to ensure stability in the country’s energy supply chain.
