In a significant development amid concerns over global LPG supply disruptions, Indian-flagged LPG tanker Nanda Devi arrived at Gujarat’s Vadinar Port on Tuesday carrying approximately 47,000 metric tonnes of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG).

The arrival comes just a day after another LPG carrier, Shivalik, reached Mundra Port in Gujarat with around 40,000 metric tonnes of LPG, marking a coordinated effort by Indian authorities to secure critical energy supplies during escalating tensions in West Asia.

Both vessels were granted safe passage through the strategically crucial Strait of Hormuz by Iranian authorities, despite the region witnessing heightened conflict.

The successful transit highlights ongoing diplomatic and maritime coordination between India and Iran, along with operational support from the Indian Navy and Iranian Navy.

 

According to officials, the initiative for the safe movement of these vessels was led by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways in collaboration with the Shipping Corporation of India. Maritime security assistance ensured that both tankers could navigate the sensitive corridor without incident.

A senior officer aboard Nanda Devi confirmed that the vessel had safely crossed the Strait of Hormuz and is now en route to further distribution points after docking.

He noted that the shipment would play a crucial role in addressing LPG demand during what he described as a “worldwide crisis” triggered by geopolitical instability in West Asia.

The officer also expressed gratitude to all agencies involved, stating that coordinated efforts between Indian authorities and naval forces were key to the mission’s success. He added that such operations would continue to ensure an uninterrupted LPG supply.

Meanwhile, the earlier-arrived Shivalik is set to offload around 20,000 metric tonnes of LPG at Mundra, with the remaining cargo earmarked for Mangaluru.

In another related development, an Indian-flagged crude oil tanker carrying approximately 81,000 tonnes of Murban crude from the UAE is currently en route to India. Officials confirmed that all Indian seafarers operating in the Persian Gulf region remain safe, with no incidents reported in the past 24 hours.

At present, 22 Indian-flagged vessels with over 600 seafarers are operating in the region, underscoring India’s continued maritime presence despite volatile conditions.

The back-to-back arrivals of LPG carriers are expected to ease supply pressures and stabilise domestic availability at a time when global energy markets remain uncertain.