Indian Tankers Cross Strait of Hormuz as Govt Says LPG Stocks Safe
Indian Tankers Cross Strait of Hormuz as Govt Says LPG Stocks Safe
Indian-flagged tankers Jag Vasant and Pine Gas cross the Strait of Hormuz amid tensions; govt assures ample petrol, diesel and LPG stock as ships navigate war-time routes.
In a development that underscores India's reliance on maritime routes, two Indian-flagged LPG tankers—Jag Vasant and Pine Gas—successfully crossed the Strait of Hormuz amid ongoing tensions in the region. This marks the fourth such passage since the conflict intensified, with two additional Indian ships and crews still en route, and a total of twenty Indian-flagged vessels currently in the western part of the strait, including five carrying LPG.
Officials stressed that India has sufficient petrol and diesel stocks for the 2026 Kharif season and beyond. A joint government briefing noted that domestic LPG production has been stepped up in refineries, with 7,500 commercial and domestic PNG connections accorded yesterday and 7,000 tonnes of commercial LPG lifted. While there has been some panic booking for LPG, there is no dry out reported at distributors, according to the briefing.
On the shipping front, Pine Gas is carrying 45,000 metric tonnes of LPG and is expected to reach New Mangalore Port early on March 27, while Jag Vasant is bound for Kandla Port and is expected to arrive on March 28. In the broader region, there are 20 Indian-flagged vessels operating in the Western Strait of Hormuz, including five LPG carriers, as authorities monitor the situation. A ballast vessel in the region is expected to be loaded with LPG in the next 3-4 days as part of ongoing logistics adjustments.
Government sources also noted that there are 85 flights expected to operate from the UAE to India, reflecting continued cross-border coordination to keep fuel and essential supplies flowing despite the regional tensions. Overall, officials emphasised that the supply lines remain stable and that the government is prioritizing safe transit for Indian ships amid the war-time environment.
