Two India-bound LPG vessels cross Strait of Hormuz safely, Centre flags panic booking concerns

India is monitoring LPG supply as vessels cross the Strait of Hormuz safely and consumers rush to book cylinders

March 14, 2026

India Bound LPG Vessels Cross Strait Of Hormuz 1

Centre says LPG supply stable despite panic bookings as vessels head to Indian ports

Two India-bound LPG vessels carrying 92,700 metric tonnes of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) have safely crossed the Strait of Hormuz, the Centre said on Saturday, even as it flagged concerns over LPG supply amid the ongoing tensions in West Asia.

Officials said the vessels are expected to reach Indian ports over the next two days. The government also noted a sharp rise in panic bookings of LPG cylinders by consumers as geopolitical tensions disrupt global oil and gas supply chains.

LPG vessels headed to India

Addressing a press briefing, Rajesh Kumar Sinha, Special Secretary in the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, said two India-flagged vessels — Shivalik and Nanda Devi — carrying LPG had safely navigated the Strait of Hormuz and are currently heading towards India.

“Their ports of arrival will be Mundra Port and Kandla Port, with expected arrival dates of March 16 and March 17 respectively,” he said.

#WATCH | Delhi: Rajesh Kumar Sinha, Shipping Ministry, GoI says, “All Indian seafarers in the Persian Gulf region are safe, and no untoward incidents involving them have been reported over the last 24 hours. There were 24 Indian-flagged vessels in the Persian Gulf, situated to… pic.twitter.com/YY9DWZhy9J
— ANI (@ANI) March 14, 2026

Indian seafarers safe in Persian Gulf

Sinha added that all Indian seafarers in the Persian Gulf region are safe and no incidents involving them have been reported in the past 24 hours.

He said there are currently 22 Indian-flagged vessels operating in the Persian Gulf with 611 seafarers on board.

The Directorate General of Shipping is closely monitoring the situation and coordinating with ship owners, recruitment and placement agencies, and Indian diplomatic missions to ensure the safety of the crew.

Officials said the Directorate’s communication centre received 312 phone calls and 460 emails in the last 24 hours from seafarers, their families and maritime stakeholders. Over the past 15 days, the centre has handled over 2,500 phone calls and around 5,000 emails.

LPG supply remains under watch

Meanwhile, Sujata Sharma from the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas said LPG supply remains a concern for the government due to the ongoing geopolitical situation.

However, she clarified that no stockouts have been reported at any LPG distribution centre across the country.

“Regarding the LPG supply, it remains a matter of concern in light of the prevailing geopolitical situation. However, no stockouts have been reported so far,” Sharma said.

She added that panic booking of LPG cylinders has surged significantly, rising from around 7.5–7.6 million bookings per day to nearly 8.8 million.

The government has urged consumers to avoid panic bookings as supply continues to remain stable.
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