Energy Relief for India: LPG Tanker 'Shivalik' Docks at Mundra Port After Navigating War-Torn Strait of Hormuz

MUNDRA, GUJARAT — In a major boost to India’s energy security amidst the escalating Middle East conflict, the India-flagged LPG tanker Shivalik successfully docked at Gujarat’s Mundra Port on Monday evening. The vessel’s arrival marks a critical breakthrough in New Delhi’s diplomatic efforts to secure fuel supplies despite the ongoing blockade and military strikes in the Persian Gulf.

A High-Stakes Transit

The Shivalik, operated by the Shipping Corporation of India (SCI), reached the port at approximately 5:00 PM IST on March 16. It is the first of two specialized gas carriers to return home after being stranded on the western side of the Strait of Hormuz—the world’s most volatile maritime chokepoint—since the outbreak of the US-Israel-Iran war.

The tanker is carrying approximately 46,000 metric tonnes of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG), a volume equivalent to roughly 3.24 million domestic cooking gas cylinders.

Diplomacy Over Deployment

The safe passage of the Shivalik is being viewed as a significant victory for Indian diplomacy. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and Prime Minister Narendra Modi have been in direct contact with Iranian leadership, including President Masoud Pezeshkian and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, to negotiate "safe corridors" for Indian merchant vessels.

While the U.S. has called for a global naval coalition to forcibly reopen the Strait, India has opted for a strategy of "reason and coordination" with Tehran. This approach led to the Shivalik and its sister ship, the Nanda Devi, being granted transit clearance by Iranian authorities late last week.

Current Status of Shipping

• Shivalik: Docked at Mundra Port; cargo discharge has begun under priority berthing.

• Nanda Devi: Currently en route and expected to dock at Kandla Port on Tuesday, March 17.

• Jag Laadki: A crude oil tanker carrying 81,000 tonnes of Murban crude is also reported to be safely headed toward India.

• Vessels Remaining: According to Rajesh Kumar Sinha, Special Secretary in the Shipping Ministry, 22 Indian-flagged vessels with 611 seafarers remain stationed in the Persian Gulf.

Impact on Domestic Supply

The arrival of these shipments comes at a time of heightened public anxiety over potential fuel shortages. Panic buying had recently led to long queues at LPG distribution centers across several Indian states.

Government officials have urged citizens to remain calm, noting that domestic LPG production has been ramped up by nearly 30% to offset import delays. "The arrival of the Shivalik ensures that there is no immediate 'dry out' of stocks," a Ministry of Petroleum official stated. "Supplies are stable, and there is no need for panic booking."

Regional Context

The Strait of Hormuz remains a flashpoint. While India-flagged ships have been granted passage, vessels linked to the U.S., Israel, and certain European nations continue to face a de facto blockade. On the same day the Shivalik docked, reports emerged of a drone strike near Dubai International Airport, highlighting the persistent fragility of the region’s security.