Back-to-back LPG arrivals via Hormuz ease supply pressure as Nanda Devi joins Shivalik in Gujarat

India’s LPG supply situation received a significant boost as a second India-flagged tanker, Nanda Devi, arrived at Gujarat’s Vadinar port on March 17, a day after Shivalik docked at Mundra following a high-risk journey through the Strait of Hormuz.

The Nanda Devi carried around 46,000–47,000 metric tonnes of LPG, successfully completing its transit through the strategically sensitive waterway amid ongoing conflict in West Asia.

Its arrival follows that of Shivalik, which reached Mundra port after a nine-day voyage from Qatar, carrying roughly 46,000 tonnes of LPG. Together, the two vessels have delivered over 90,000 tonnes of cooking gas, reinforcing India’s energy supplies at a time of global uncertainty.

The back-to-back arrivals are being seen as crucial given the disruptions in maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, a key global energy corridor handling a significant share of the world’s oil and gas shipments. Heightened tensions due to the Iran-US-Israel conflict have led to delays, rerouting and heightened risks for commercial vessels.

Officials said both tankers are part of India’s efforts to maintain uninterrupted energy supplies, especially for domestic LPG consumption. The government has prioritised household demand amid fears of shortages, with supply chains under strain due to the conflict.

In the case of Nanda Devi, part of its cargo is expected to be transferred offshore and redirected to southern states such as Tamil Nadu to meet regional demand more efficiently.

The successful transit of both vessels also reflects ongoing diplomatic coordination and logistical planning, as India engages with regional stakeholders to ensure safe passage for its ships. Several Indian-flagged vessels, however, remain in or around the Gulf region awaiting clearance.