Vadinar: LPG tanker Jag Vasant, carrying about 47,600 metric tonnes of liquefied petroleum gas, docked at Vadinar port in Gujarat late Thursday night, nearly three weeks after being held up in the Strait of Hormuz amid the ongoing West Asia conflict.

The vessel’s arrival has eased concerns over LPG availability in India at a time when tensions in the region have disrupted shipping movement through the strategic waterway.

The tanker was among several LPG carriers stranded in the Strait of Hormuz, which has witnessed severe restrictions due to the ongoing military escalation involving Iran and neighbouring countries over the past month.

Officials said another LPG tanker, Pine Gas, carrying around 45,000 metric tonnes of LPG, is expected to reach New Mangalore Port soon. With the arrival of these vessels, India will receive more than 92,000 metric tonnes of LPG, roughly equal to a day’s domestic consumption.

As per officials, at least 20 Indian-flagged vessels are still stuck in the Strait of Hormuz, including five large LPG tankers carrying about 2.3 lakh metric tonnes of LPG. Another tanker is expected to load cargo shortly before sailing for India.

India imports nearly 60% of its LPG requirement, and about 90% of these imports pass through the Strait of Hormuz, making the route crucial for the country’s energy security.

The government has said the geopolitical situation has affected the movement of shipments but assured that there is no immediate shortage of LPG, adding that the country currently has around 60 days of crude oil stock and about one month of LPG supply.

Earlier, LPG tankers Shivalik and Nanda Devi had reached Kandla port, while MT Apollo Ocean delivered LPG cargo at New Mangalore Port this week. DeshGujarat