In a major development that is expected to boost the country’s efforts at ensuring energy security in the midst of the war in West Asia, LPG tanker Shivalik arrived at Gujarat’s Mundra Port, traversing through the conflict-affected Strait of Hormuz.
The vessel’s passage was secured after the Indian authorities coordinated closely with Iranian officials to obtain the necessary transit clearances.
The arrival of the vessel is being considered a major diplomatic success for India since both Prime Minister Narendra Modi and External Affairs S Jaishankar had telephonic conversations with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi last week. Jaishankar had spoken to his counterpart as many as four times.
Another Indian-flagged LPG carrier, the Nanda Devi, is expected to reach the port of Kandla on Tuesday. The vessel is transporting a similar cargo of liquefied petroleum gas, underscoring the steady flow of essential energy supplies to the Indian coast despite geopolitical challenges in the region.
Indian officials expressed relief over the arrival of ‘Shivalik’’, hoping it will end panic buying of LPG being witnessed across the country.
Earlier in the day, at an inter-ministerial media briefing on the situation arising from the West Asia crisis, senior officials said all refineries are operating at high capacity and maintaining adequate crude oil inventories. India remains self-sufficient in petrol and diesel production and no imports of these fuels are required to meet domestic demand.
The officials said LPG supply continues to be monitored in view of the prevailing geopolitical situation. No dry-outs have been reported at LPG distributorships. Online LPG cylinder bookings have increased from about 84% to around 90% across the industry.
They said no cases of fuel dry-outs have been reported at retail outlets by Oil Marketing Companies, and supplies of petrol and diesel continue to be maintained regularly.
The officials advised the people not to resort to panic buying as adequate stocks of petrol and diesel are available.