India Secures LPG Lifeline, Monitors Citizen Safety Amid West Asia Turmoil
India confirmed two LPG carriers safely transited the Strait of Hormuz, bringing 92,700 metric tons of fuel. The government is coordinating with regional countries to ensure unimpeded transit for other ships and maintain energy security. Officials also updated on Indian nationals' safety, including casualties and evacuations, while assuring stable LPG supply despite geopolitical challenges, increasing domestic production, and advising against panic booking.
Amid escalating West Asia tensions, India announced that two Indian LPG carriers, Shivalik and Nanda Devi, successfully navigated the Strait of Hormuz, carrying a cumulative 92,700 metric tons of LPG destined for Mundra and Kandla by March 16-17. The Ministry of External Affairs confirmed ongoing coordination with GCC countries, Iran, the US, and Israel to ensure safe passage for Indian vessels and uphold energy security.Officials also provided updates on Indian nationals in the region, noting five deaths and one missing from an earlier incident, and two fatalities with ten injuries from an attack in Sohar, Oman, with repatriation efforts underway. The 15 crew members of the US-owned tanker Safesea Vishnu, attacked off Iraq, were safely evacuated to Basra. Air connectivity is improving, facilitating the return of 172,000 passengers since late February, with assistance for transit visas in areas without direct flights.The Ministry of Shipping reported 22 Indian-flagged vessels, including 6 LPG and 4 crude oil tankers, along with 611 seafarers, are safe in the Persian Gulf. The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas assured the public of well-managed LPG supplies, with no reported dry-outs, and a 30% increase in domestic production since March 5. Citizens were urged to avoid panic booking, and commercial cylinder shortages are being addressed by allocating additional LPG.
