Two LPG vessels carrying 92,700 tonnes from Iran to dock in India by March 17 as panic bookings surge

The central government has said that two vessels carrying large quantities of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) from Iran are on their way to India and are expected to reach Indian ports by March 16 and March 17. Officials said the ships have already crossed the strategically important Strait of Hormuz and are moving safely toward their destinations.

According to officials, the two India-flagged vessels named Shivalik and Nanda Devi are together carrying about 92,700 metric tonnes of LPG. This fuel is widely used across India for cooking and household energy needs, making it an essential supply for millions of families.

Speaking at a media briefing, Rajesh Kumar Sinha, Special Secretary in the Shipping Ministry, confirmed that both vessels successfully crossed the Strait of Hormuz without any disruption. The ships are now moving toward the western coast of India.

Officials said the vessel Shivalik is expected to dock at the port of Mundra Port on March 16, while the vessel Nanda Devi will likely reach Kandla Port on March 17.

The government said the arrival of these vessels will help maintain the LPG supply chain in the country at a time when the global energy market is facing uncertainty due to tensions in West Asia.

Authorities also provided updates about Indian seafarers working in the region. According to officials, all Indian crew members currently sailing in the Persian Gulf area are safe, and no major incidents have been reported in the past 24 hours.

Officials added that there are still 22 Indian-flagged vessels operating in the Persian Gulf region. These vessels collectively have around 611 Indian seafarers working on board.

The Shipping Ministry said it is maintaining close communication with ship owners and maritime agencies to ensure the safety of all Indian crew members in the region.

The government also said that the Directorate General of Shipping (DG Shipping) is actively monitoring the situation. The department has been coordinating with shipping companies, recruitment agencies, and Indian diplomatic missions abroad to stay updated on developments.

Officials revealed that over the past 24 hours the communication centre of DG Shipping received a large number of calls and emails from seafarers and their families seeking updates and assistance.

In total, the centre received around 312 phone calls and 460 emails during the last day alone. Officials said responses were provided to all queries.

Looking at the broader picture, authorities said that during the last 15 days the communication centre has handled more than 2,500 phone calls and nearly 5,000 emails related to maritime concerns and crew safety.

Rising concern over LPG supply

While the government confirmed that LPG supplies remain stable for now, officials admitted that the situation is still being closely watched because of ongoing geopolitical tensions in West Asia.

Sujata Sharma, Joint Secretary in the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, said that LPG supply remains a matter of concern due to disruptions in global oil and gas supply chains.

However, she clarified that there have been no reports of stock shortages or dry-outs at any LPG distribution centres across India so far.

Despite the stable supply, the government is witnessing a sharp increase in panic booking by consumers. Many households appear to be ordering LPG cylinders earlier than usual due to fears about possible shortages.

Officials said the number of LPG bookings has increased significantly over the past few days. According to government data, daily bookings had earlier been around 7.5 to 7.6 million cylinders.

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However, the latest figures show that bookings have now jumped to nearly 8.8 million per day. This means close to 80 lakh bookings are being made every day across the country.

Authorities believe that this sudden increase is mainly due to panic buying rather than an actual shortage of LPG supply.

The government has urged citizens not to panic and to avoid unnecessary bookings, as this can create pressure on the distribution system.

Officials explained that when large numbers of people book cylinders at the same time, it can slow down deliveries and create the impression of a shortage even when supplies are available.

Energy experts say LPG plays a very important role in India’s household energy system. Millions of homes depend on LPG cylinders for cooking every day, especially under government programmes that promote clean cooking fuel.

Because of this widespread dependence, any disruption in supply chains can quickly lead to public concern.

The government said it is continuously monitoring the situation and coordinating with energy companies and shipping agencies to ensure that LPG supplies remain stable across the country.

Officials also said additional logistical measures may be taken if required to maintain steady distribution and avoid any shortages.

With the two vessels expected to arrive within the next few days, authorities believe the incoming supplies will help maintain the country’s LPG reserves and reassure consumers.

For now, the government has emphasised that LPG supplies remain available and that there is no need for panic buying, even as global tensions continue to affect energy markets.