The tanker, identified as “Symi”, crossed the Strait of Hormuz on May 13 before arriving at the port in Kachchh district, underscoring the continued movement of commercial energy shipments through the strategically vital maritime passage despite rising geopolitical tensions in the region.
Oil marketing companies have issued 1,870 show-cause notices to LPG distributors as part of the ongoing action. Authorities say the measures are aimed at ensuring transparency and preventing malpractice in the supply chain.
In a parallel relief measure, the government has allowed the sale of 5-kg FTL cylinders without requiring address proof. Beneficiaries can now obtain these cylinders from authorised distributors by presenting a valid identity card.
Two more India-flagged LPG tankers, Green Asha and Jag Vikram, are expected to cross the strait in the coming days as they head towards India.
The price of a 19 kg commercial LPG cylinder in Delhi has surged to Rs. 2,078.50, an increase of Rs. 195.50. Smaller 5 kg cylinders have also become more expensive, now costing Rs. 549 per refill, up by Rs. 51.
Amid the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, the government said that it has taken several steps to ensure uninterrupted availability of petroleum products and LPG across the country.
Refineries across India are operating at full capacity or higher to meet domestic demand, while production of LPG within the country has increased by around 20 per cent.
According to the government, all domestic refineries are operating at high capacity with adequate crude inventories. Domestic LPG production has increased, and petrol and diesel stocks remain sufficient.
The protest was held near the Makar Dwar, where leaders gathered with banners reading “Empty Cylinders, Empty Promises” and raised slogans against the government.
Despite fears of disruption, both Indian vessels are continuing their voyage toward India carrying critical LPG supplies.
