Another LPG tanker Jag Vasant docked at Kandla Port in Gujarat on Friday, carrying 42,000 metric tonnes of liquefied petroleum gas, even as tensions in West Asia and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz disrupted key global energy routes.
The vessel’s arrival assumes significance as it navigated an alternative route to reach Indian shores. Jag Vasant, along with another LPG tanker Pine Gas, had set sail for India earlier this week, taking an unusual path through the Qeshm–Larak channel instead of the conventional route into the Arabian Sea.
Tracking data indicated that the vessels altered their onboard identification messages while transiting the channel, shifting from generic tags such as “IND SHIP AND CREW” to more specific identifiers like “PINE GAS INDIAN SHIP” and “JGVASNTINDSHIPINDCRW”. The change suggested prior coordination to ensure safe passage through the sensitive corridor.
Officials indicated that such measures were aimed at reducing risks while crossing the Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint for global energy supplies that has been affected by the ongoing regional conflict.
Also read: India slashes Petrol excise duty to ₹3, Diesel to zero
Rajesh Kumar Sinha, Special Secretary in the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, had earlier said that Jag Vasant had safely transited the Strait and was expected to arrive on March 26.
The vessel is the fourth Indian LPG tanker to reach the country amid the evolving situation in West Asia. Earlier, three other tankers—Nanda Devi, Shivalik and Apollo Ocean, had successfully docked at Indian ports.
Shivalik reached Mundra Port in Gujarat on March 16, while Nanda Devi docked at Vadinar Port a day later. The two vessels together carried over 92,000 metric tonnes of LPG. Apollo Ocean arrived at New Mangalore Port on March 26.
With the latest arrival, India continues to maintain steady inflow of LPG supplies despite disruptions along major international shipping routes.
The development comes as authorities monitor global energy movements closely and take steps to ensure uninterrupted fuel availability in the domestic market.
Follow us
