Second LPG Carrier Nanda Devi Arrives at Kandla Port Amid Government Appeal for Rational Use
The Centre confirmed on Tuesday that the second LPG carrier, Nanda Devi, has successfully docked at Kandla Port in Gujarat and commenced discharge operations. In a high-level briefing, the Petroleum Ministry emphasized that domestic LPG supply remains uninterrupted, with daily distribution ranging between 50 lakh and over 62 lakh cylinders in recent days. However, officials urged citizens to adopt rational usage of cooking gas and consider switching to alternative fuels such as induction stoves and piped natural gas (PNG) wherever possible, citing a still concerning supply situation.
Decline in Panic Bookings and Supply Management
Officials reported a notable easing in panic booking of LPG cylinders, with refill requests dropping from a peak of nearly 89 lakh on March 13 to about 70 lakh, indicating a downward trend. Despite this improvement, the government stressed that the overall supply scenario requires close monitoring. To prioritize domestic consumers, commercial and bulk LPG supplies have been curtailed, contributing to a reported 17% drop in LPG consumption in March, which officials clarified stems from these restrictions rather than any decline in household demand.
Incoming Supplies and Production Enhancements
Providing details on incoming supplies, officials noted that a single LPG carrier typically carries around 45,000 metric tonnes of LPG. Preliminary estimates suggest that total LPG cargo from currently tracked vessels is approximately 3 lakh metric tonnes, with precise figures still being compiled. On the production front, domestic LPG output from refineries has been increased by about 38% by diverting feedstock streams into the LPG pool. Additionally, imports are being diversified beyond the Gulf region, including recent procurement from the United States.
Government Appeals and Infrastructure Push
Reiterating its call for conservation, the Centre urged commercial establishments to transition to PNG and advised households to explore alternative cooking options like induction and electric cooktops where feasible. States have been directed to expedite approvals for pipeline infrastructure and waive local levies to expand PNG networks, aiming to bolster long-term energy security.
Shipping and Diplomatic Updates Amid West Asia Crisis
The Shipping Ministry confirmed that both LPG carriers, Shivalik and Nanda Devi, are currently discharging cargo at Kandla, with ship-to-ship transfer operations underway for Nanda Devi. Officials declined to specify timelines for future shipments, as several Indian vessels remain stalled west of the Strait of Hormuz. Addressing speculation, senior MEA official Randhir Jaiswal dismissed reports of an exchange arrangement with Iran, stating that such claims are baseless and that the government is in touch with Iran and other nations to ensure the safe movement of stranded Indian vessels.
Seafarer Safety and Regional Incidents
In the past 24 hours, 161 Indian sailors have been repatriated after signing off from ships in the Gulf, with all personnel and vessels reported safe, according to Shipping Ministry official Rajesh Kumar Sinha. The MEA also provided updates on regional incidents, noting that five Indian nationals have died in recent events in the Gulf, with one missing. The mortal remains of two Indians killed in Sohar, Oman, were repatriated to Jaipur on Tuesday, while 15 crew members evacuated from a vessel off Basra, Iraq, await repatriation with Indian missions coordinating their return.
Diplomatic Engagements and Crisis Management
The ongoing West Asia conflict was a key topic in External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar's discussions with European counterparts in Brussels, where energy security concerns were raised. Responding to queries about mobilizing BRICS to bridge differences, officials noted that the grouping operates on consensus and includes members directly involved in the crisis, making mediation challenging. They reiterated that dialogue and diplomacy remain the only viable path to de-escalation, with India continuing engagement with all parties amid the unfolding crisis.
Monitoring of Costs and Port Operations
The government is also keeping a close watch on rising freight and insurance costs, particularly the war risk premium imposed by some shipping lines. Stakeholders have been asked to provide specific details, with authorities warning against abnormal charge increases. Additionally, officials clarified that containers reported at Jawaharlal Nehru Port are located at designated facilities per port policy, dismissing claims of unattended road congestion.
