Two Indian-flagged LPG carriers, carrying 92,700 metric tons of LPG equivalent to gas refills for 65 lakh cylinders, have successfully crossed the strategically important Strait of Hormuz and are now on their way to India. This and many more crucial shipments are en route to India, as the Government of India today ensured the safety of Indian vessels and uninterrupted energy flows amid escalating tensions in West Asia.
The two ships, Shivalik and Nanda Devi, together are carrying a massive shipment of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) of about 92,700 metric tons of LPG. When converted into standard household cylinders, this shipment is equivalent to around 65 lakh cylinders, as a typical domestic LPG cylinder in India contains 14.2 kg of gas. When the total cargo is divided by this amount, the shipment translates into millions of cylinders that will ensure gas supply to lakhs of households for weeks across the country.
This highlights the scale of energy transport through global maritime routes and how important such shipments are for India’s domestic fuel needs.
The development comes at a time when tensions in West Asia have raised concerns about energy supply routes and maritime safety.
Critical Shipment for India
The safe passage of the LPG carriers underscores the importance of secure maritime routes for India’s energy supply. With thousands of metric tons of LPG, the arriving shipment will play a vital role in supporting domestic demand and maintaining supply stability.
Rajesh Kumar Sinha, Shipping Ministry, further shared details of the 22 Indian-flagged vessels remaining in the Persian Gulf. He stated that there are 6 LPG tankers, 1 LNG carrier, 4 crude oil tankers, 1 chemical products tanker, 3 container ships, 2 bulk carriers, and 1 dredger. He also said that there is one empty ballast and three dry docks. At empty ballast, they are not carrying cargo, and dry docks mean under repair and maintenance, regular periodic maintenance.
As geopolitical tensions continue in the region, authorities remain focused on ensuring the safety of Indian vessels and uninterrupted energy flows.
#WATCH | Delhi: Rajesh Kumar Sinha, Shipping Ministry, GoI says, “The break-up of the 22 Indian-flagged vessels remaining in the Persian Gulf is that 6 are LPG tankers, 1 is an LNG carrier, 4 are crude oil tankers, 1 is a chemical products tanker, 3 are container ships, 2 are… pic.twitter.com/JRmMLOtAJc
— ANI (@ANI) March 14, 2026
The Expected Arrival
According to the Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways, the two vessels safely transited the Strait and are now heading towards India. The ships are expected to arrive at the following ports:
- Mundra Port – Expected arrival: March 16
- Kandla Port – Expected arrival: March 17
Both vessels departed from the Persian Gulf region and successfully navigated the narrow but critical maritime passage.
Iran Assures Safe Passage for Indian Ships
Abdul Majid Hakeem Ilahi, representative of Ali Khamenei in India, reaffirmed that Indian vessels would be allowed to pass through the Strait of Hormuz despite tensions in the region.
He indicated that Iranian authorities were aware of India’s energy needs and acknowledged the support expressed by people in India during the ongoing conflict.
According to Ilahi, the Iranian leadership has been informed about public solidarity in India and remains mindful of India’s fuel requirements.
Government Monitoring 24*7
The Directorate General of Shipping is closely monitoring the situation round the clock in coordination with ship owners, maritime agencies, and Indian diplomatic missions.
Over the past 24 hours alone, the DG Shipping communication centre received 312 phone calls and 460 emails. These communications came from seafarers, their families, and other maritime stakeholders seeking updates and support.
Over the past 15 days, the centre has handled more than 2,500 phone calls and 5,000 emails. Officials say every query has received a response as authorities maintain constant communication with ships in the region.