Tanker 'Nanda Devi' with 46,000 metric tonnes LPG arrives in India passing Hormuz

In a significant boost to India's energy security, the Indian-flagged tanker 'Nanda Devi' successfully arrived at the Vadinar offshore terminal in Gujarat early Tuesday morning. Carrying approximately 46,000 metric tonnes of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG), the vessel’s safe passage marks the second major energy delivery in just 48 hours, following the arrival of the carrier 'Shivalik' at Mundra Port. The transit was made possible through a high-level diplomatic and military initiative involving the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, alongside coordinated naval protection from both the Indian and Iranian navies.

The Nanda Devi's journey was fraught with geopolitical risks, as it had to navigate the Strait of Hormuz, a critical maritime chokepoint currently disrupted by the escalating conflict in West Asia. Following retaliatory strikes between regional powers and the US, Iran has largely halted maritime traffic in the strait, causing global oil prices to surge by nearly 50%. To safeguard the vessel, the Indian Navy provided a dedicated escort under 'Operation Sankalp,' ensuring that the vital cooking fuel reached Indian shores despite the functional blockade of the waterway.

Upon reaching Gujarat, the Nanda Devi did not dock at the busy Kandla Port as initially planned. Instead, it remained mid-sea near Vadinar to perform a strategic ship-to-ship transfer. The 46,000 tonnes of LPG are being discharged into two smaller vessels, MT BW Breeze and MT Jag Pratap, which will immediately set sail for Tamil Nadu to expedite distribution in Southern India. This logistical pivot aims to minimize transportation time and ensure that domestic LPG supplies remain stable for millions of households.

The successful arrival of these tankers underscores India’s proactive maritime diplomacy. While the Strait of Hormuz remains a high-risk zone with 22 Indian-flagged vessels still operating in the Persian Gulf, the Ministry of External Affairs has been negotiating passage on a case-by-case basis. Additionally, the crude oil tanker 'Jag Laadki' is also reported to be safely en route to India from the UAE, further stabilizing the country's petroleum inventories. Officials have urged the public to avoid panic buying, assuring that all refineries are operating at full capacity.