NEW DELHI: Two tankers carrying liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), named Shivalik and Nanda Devi, successfully crossed the crucial Strait of Hormuz early on Saturday, easing fears of a cooking gas shortage in India caused by supply disruptions associated with the escalating conflict in West Asia. The vessels are expected to arrive at Indian ports by March 17, carrying approximately 92,700 metric tonnes of LPG.

Rajesh Kumar Sinha, special secretary at the Union ministry of ports, shipping and waterways, confirmed that the positively received transit for these vessels comes at a critical time. “As of yesterday, there were 24 India-flagged vessels awaiting transit,” Sinha stated. “We are relieved that Shivalik and Nanda Devi made it through safely and will be reaching Mundra and Kandla ports soon.” However, he reported that 22 other India-flagged ships remain stranded on the western side of the strait, which includes six additional LPG carriers and over 600 Indian seafarers.

With nearly 90% of its LPG imports sourced from the Persian Gulf, the country faces pressing challenges in ensuring a steady supply. The vessels in question were chartered by the state-run Indian Oil Corporation, according to sources familiar with the situation. Although the Ministry of External Affairs did not respond to inquiries for further clarification, the cooperation between New Delhi and Tehran appears to be instrumental in securing safe passage for these crucial shipments.

The ramifications of these supply disruptions are significant. Sujata Sharma, joint secretary for marketing and oil refinery at the ministry of petroleum and natural gas, addressed rising public concerns during a media briefing, stating, “While the situation remains stable, the demand has surged with daily bookings increasing from a pre-war average of 55 lakh to 88 lakh.” She emphasized that no distributor has reported running out of supplies yet but noted the government is exploring alternative sourcing options amidst the crisis.

As people across India prepare for prolonged disruptions, the government has implemented measures to manage LPG supplies effectively. These strategies include lengthened booking periods, with urban residents required to wait 25 days between cylinder bookings, while in rural areas, the period has been extended to 45 days.