The LPG tanker ‘Jag Vasant’ has docked at Vadinar port in Gujarat, bringing relief to concerns over cooking gas supplies after being stranded for over three weeks in the Strait of Hormuz amid escalating tensions in the Middle East. The vessel, carrying approximately 47,600 metric tonnes of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), anchored late Thursday after navigating through one of the world’s most critical and volatile shipping routes.

The tanker had remained stuck for around 23 days as the Strait of Hormuz faced severe disruptions due to ongoing regional conflict, with Iran reportedly restricting maritime movement while carrying out military operations in neighbouring areas. The arrival of ‘Jag Vasant’ marks a significant development as India continues to monitor supply chains closely to avoid any domestic shortages of LPG.

Officials confirmed that another LPG tanker, ‘Pine Gas’, carrying about 45,000 metric tonnes of LPG, is expected to arrive soon at the New Mangalore Port in Karnataka. Together, the two vessels will contribute over 92,000 metric tonnes of LPG to India’s reserves, which is roughly equivalent to a day’s national consumption of cooking gas. Authorities also confirmed that all 60 seafarers aboard the vessels are safe.

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In the past ten days, at least two other large LPG carriers have successfully reached Indian ports after transiting the Strait of Hormuz, indicating a gradual easing of supply movement despite ongoing tensions. Earlier, tankers such as ‘Shivalik’ and ‘Nanda Devi’ had reached Kandla Port, while ‘MT Apollo Ocean’ recently delivered 16,000 metric tonnes of LPG at New Mangalore Port.

The Ministry of Shipping has stated that around 20 Indian-flagged vessels remain stranded in the Strait of Hormuz due to the conflict, including five large LPG carriers collectively transporting nearly 230,000 metric tonnes of LPG. Another tanker is expected to load cargo shortly before departing for India, as authorities work to ensure steady supply amid global uncertainty.

India imports nearly 60 per cent of its LPG requirements, with about 90 per cent of these shipments passing through the Strait of Hormuz. Despite the geopolitical challenges, the government has assured that there is no immediate shortage, maintaining that the country has sufficient reserves, including about 60 days of crude oil stock and one month of LPG supply. Officials have also urged citizens to avoid panic buying and rely only on verified information, dismissing reports of shortages as misinformation.

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