LPG Tankers Arrive in Gujarat Amid Regional Tensions

The recent arrival of two Indian-flagged LPG tankers at Gujarat ports highlights the ongoing challenges in maritime logistics due to regional conflicts. The 'Nanda Devi' and 'Shivalik' are crucial for maintaining India's energy supply amidst heightened tensions in the Strait of Hormuz. With authorities prioritizing the berthing of these vessels, the situation reflects broader diplomatic efforts to ensure the safety of merchant shipping in volatile waters. As India continues to rely on imports for its energy needs, the arrival of these tankers is a significant step in securing essential LPG supplies for households and industries alike.

By Narendra Chaudhary Mar 17, 2026, 13:51 IST

Significant Arrival of LPG Tankers

Bhuj, March 17: The Indian-flagged liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) tanker 'Nanda Devi' docked at Vadinar Port in Gujarat around 11:25 a.m. on Tuesday. This marks the second LPG carrier to arrive on the west coast this week, following the 'Shivalik', which reached Mundra Port the previous day, as confirmed by officials.

Both vessels are delivering essential LPG supplies to India after navigating a particularly dangerous route through the Strait of Hormuz, where maritime operations have been affected by the ongoing conflict involving Iran, the United States, and Israel.

This strait, a crucial passage for global energy shipments, has experienced a significant decline in commercial vessel traffic since late February due to increased military actions and warnings from Iran.

On Monday, authorities at Kandla Port issued instructions prioritizing the berthing of LPG-carrying ships to facilitate quicker unloading and alleviate concerns regarding domestic supply shortages.

In a communication to vessel agents, the Deendayal Port Authority noted that the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways has mandated that ports prioritize LPG-laden vessels to ensure a steady distribution of cooking gas throughout the country.

The 'Shivalik', which transported approximately 46,000 tonnes of LPG from Qatar, completed its nine-day journey and docked at Mundra on Monday evening. Port officials had made prior arrangements, including necessary documentation and priority docking, to ensure prompt discharge operations.

Officials indicated that the arrival of both vessels is part of a broader initiative to bolster LPG supplies for both household and industrial consumption, as India continues to depend heavily on imports for a substantial portion of its energy requirements.

Prior to the arrival of these two tankers, numerous Indian-flagged ships and hundreds of seafarers were anchored in the Persian Gulf while maritime insurers and shipping companies reevaluated routes through this unstable region.

The docking of the Nanda Devi at Kandla coincides with extensive diplomatic and logistical efforts, including negotiations with local authorities and coordination with naval resources, aimed at ensuring the safety of merchant shipping.

Indian maritime officials have assured that all Indian seafarers operating in the Gulf region are safe, with no reported incidents involving Indian-flagged vessels in recent days.

While the Nanda Devi has arrived, another vessel, 'Jag Laadki', is currently en route to India, carrying nearly 81,000 tonnes of crude oil from the UAE.

According to government statistics, there are currently 22 Indian-flagged vessels located west of the Strait of Hormuz in the Persian Gulf, with a total of 611 seafarers aboard.