New Delhi: An LPG tanker named Jag Vasant arrived at Vadinar Port late Thursday, bringing relief as concerns persisted about possible disruptions to cooking gas supplies due to tensions in West Asia.
The vessel, carrying about 47,600 metric tonnes of liquefied petroleum gas, had remained stranded for nearly 23 days near the Strait of Hormuz. The crucial waterway has witnessed disruptions in recent weeks amid ongoing regional conflict, affecting the movement of several energy shipments.
The arrival of Jag Vasant adds a significant volume of LPG to India’s existing reserves at a time when authorities have been working to reassure the public about adequate fuel supplies. Officials said the shipment will help stabilise domestic availability of cooking gas.
Another LPG tanker, Pine Gas, carrying around 45,000 metric tonnes of LPG, is also expected to arrive soon at New Mangalore Port. Together, the two vessels will add more than 92,000 metric tonnes of LPG to the country’s supply, roughly equivalent to one day of India’s national cooking gas consumption.
Authorities confirmed that all 60 seafarers aboard the vessels are safe. Their successful arrival comes after a challenging passage through the heavily monitored maritime corridor.
Government officials have said that about 20 Indian flagged vessels remain stranded near the Strait of Hormuz due to the continuing conflict in the region. Among them are five large LPG tankers carrying a combined cargo of approximately 2,30,000 metric tonnes of cooking gas. Another tanker is expected to load cargo shortly before departing for India.
India imports nearly 60 percent of its LPG from international markets, and close to 90 percent of these imports pass through the Strait of Hormuz, making the route vital for the country’s energy security.
The government has acknowledged that geopolitical tensions have affected shipping schedules but emphasised that no disruption has been reported at distributor outlets. Officials also urged citizens to rely on verified information and avoid spreading rumours about fuel shortages, noting that the country currently holds around 60 days of crude oil reserves and roughly a month of LPG supply.
