Two Indian-flagged LPG tankers — Shivalik and Nanda Devi — carrying around 92,700 metric tonnes of LPG have safely transited the Strait of Hormuz and are on their way to Indian ports, the government said on Saturday. According to Rajesh Kumar Sinha, Special Secretary at the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, the vessels are expected to arrive at Mundra Port on March 16 and Kandla Port on March 17. The tankers, owned by Shipping Corporation of India, were among 24 Indian-flagged vessels earlier positioned in the Persian Gulf region, carrying a total of 611 seafarers. Officials said all Indian crew members in the region are safe and no untoward incidents have been reported.
Meanwhile, Iran's Ambassador to India Mohammad Fathali confirmed that Tehran has allowed some Indian vessels to pass through the strategic shipping route, citing the historical relationship between Iran and India. He made the remarks during the India Today Conclave in New Delhi, adding that more Indian tankers are expected to cross the war-affected zone in the coming days. The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world's most critical energy corridors, handling about 20 per cent of global oil and gas exports.
Amid concerns over LPG supply linked to tensions around the Strait of Hormuz, authorities in Mumbai carried out a crackdown on illegal gas cylinder trade. Rationing and supply officials conducted a raid in the Worli area and seized a large stock of LPG cylinders that were allegedly being stored and sold illegally in the black market. The operation took place at Suraj Vallabhdas Chawl on Ganpatrao Kadam Marg near Worli Naka following confidential information about illegal storage in a residential locality.
Police have registered a case against Nimesh Arvind Jain and the owner of a tempo allegedly used in the operation under provisions of the Essential Commodities Act, 1955 and the Liquefied Petroleum Gas (Regulation of Supply and Distribution) Order, 2000. Officials seized the vehicle along with several filled and empty LPG cylinders, including six filled and 58 empty five-kilogram cylinders belonging to HP Gas, along with other cylinders from different companies.
Investigators suspect the cylinders were being illegally refilled and sold at inflated prices. Authorities warned that storing such a large number of cylinders in residential premises poses serious safety risks, including the possibility of leaks, fires, or explosions. The seized stock has been handed over to Worli Police Station for further investigation, and officials said strict action will be taken against those involved.
Petroleum Ministry officials have meanwhile urged citizens not to panic over LPG availability, assuring that supply remains stable despite the situation in the Strait of Hormuz.
(With inputs from IANS)
