Indian LPG Carriers Navigate Strait of Hormuz Amid Energy Crisis
New Delhi has confirmed that two Indian-flagged liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) carriers, Green Asha and Green Sanvi, successfully crossed the Strait of Hormuz, bringing the total number of Indian vessels to eight that have navigated this critical waterway during ongoing geopolitical tensions in West Asia. The two ships are transporting a combined total of 62,000 metric tonnes (MT) of LPG and are manned by 51 seafarers. Green Sanvi, carrying 46,500 MT of LPG, is expected to reach its destination by April 7, while Green Asha, with 15,500 MT, is anticipated to arrive by April 9.
This movement of vessels comes at a time when global energy routes are under significant strain due to the ongoing conflict between Iran and the US-Israel alliance. India, the world’s second-largest importer of LPG, is grappling with one of its most severe energy crises in decades, exacerbated by the strategic blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. Prior to the conflict, India relied on imports for 60 percent of its LPG needs, with nearly 90 percent sourced from the Gulf region.
Government Response to Energy Supply Concerns
During an inter-ministerial briefing, Mukesh Mangal, Additional Secretary in the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, reported that 16 Indian-flagged vessels remain on the western side of the Strait of Hormuz, carrying 433 seafarers. The stranded vessels include two LPG carriers, an LNG vessel, six crude oil tankers, three container ships, a chemical vessel, two bulk carriers, and a dredger.
In light of these developments, government officials have reassured the public that supplies of essential commodities remain stable. Anupam Mishra, Additional Secretary in the Department of Consumer Affairs, emphasized that the department is closely monitoring the crisis in West Asia. This includes tracking commodity prices and ensuring adequate supply while preventing hoarding and black marketing under the Essential Commodities Act.
Mishra also highlighted that this year’s production of pulses has exceeded last year’s figures, and there is no unusual volatility in the prices of essential commodities. Currently, India maintains a buffer stock of 28 lakh metric tonnes of pulses, with imports of toor and urad pulses categorized as free until March 31, 2027.
On the food security front, Joint Secretary C. Shikha from the Department of Food and Public Distribution confirmed that India holds food grain stocks significantly above mandated norms. The country has approximately 602 lakh metric tonnes of food stocks, including 222 lakh metric tonnes of wheat and 380 lakh metric tonnes of rice, ensuring sufficient supply for the public distribution system.
Indian Vessels Navigate Strait of Hormuz Amid Ongoing Conflict
Domestic LPG Production and Distribution Efforts
In terms of energy supply, Joint Secretary in the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Sujata Sharma, reported a 90 percent increase in gas supply to fertilizer plants. The distribution of LPG has also seen significant scaling up, with 18 crore households receiving cylinders over the past five weeks—averaging 50 lakh cylinders per day. Domestic LPG production has reached between 46,000 and 47,000 metric tonnes per day, following a 40 percent increase in production capacity.
Sharma noted that commercial LPG supply has recovered to 70 percent of pre-crisis levels, with nearly 79,900 tonnes of commercial LPG distributed over the last three weeks, equivalent to 42 lakh 19-kg cylinders. The government continues to monitor the situation closely, ensuring that energy supplies remain stable amid the ongoing challenges posed by the conflict in West Asia.
