VADINAR, GUJARAT — In a major breakthrough for India’s energy security, the LPG carrier ‘Nanda Devi’ successfully docked at the Vadinar Port (a facility under the Kandla Port Trust) on Tuesday morning, March 17, 2026. This is the second Indian-flagged vessel to navigate the conflict-ridden Strait of Hormuz in the last 48 hours, bringing much-needed relief to a country facing a severe cooking gas shortage.
The arrival of the Nanda Devi, carrying approximately 47,000 metric tonnes of LPG, follows the successful berthing of the Shivalik at Mundra Port yesterday. Together, these shipments provide nearly two days’ worth of India’s total LPG import requirements, a critical buffer as the West Asia crisis continues to disrupt global supply chains.
Key Logistics and Distribution
The government has prioritized the discharge and movement of this cargo to address regional shortages:
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Specific Allocation: Approximately 24,000 metric tonnes from the Nanda Devi shipment are earmarked for Tamil Nadu, where supply strain has been particularly acute.
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Refining the “Kandla” Destination: While some initial reports cited Kandla Port, the vessel is utilizing the Vadinar facility near Jamnagar, where LPG is transferred to smaller vessels for coastal transport.
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Jag Laadki Update: Following the gas carriers, the crude oil tanker ‘Jag Laadki’—carrying 81,000 tonnes of Murban crude—is also scheduled to arrive at Mundra Port later today.
The Diplomatic “Safe Passage”
The safe transit of these vessels is being hailed as a win for Indian diplomacy. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar confirmed that New Delhi has been engaging in direct “case-by-case” coordination with Tehran to secure transit windows.
While a permanent “blanket arrangement” for all Indian ships is not yet in place, the Iranian government has granted specific passage to these energy-critical tankers. Currently, 22 Indian-flagged vessels and 611 seafarers remain in the Persian Gulf, west of the Strait of Hormuz, under constant monitoring by the Indian Navy and the Ministry of Shipping.
Domestic Impact: Curbing the Shortage
The arrival of the Nanda Devi and Shivalik is expected to:
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Lower Panic Booking: The Ministry of Petroleum has urged citizens to avoid hoarding, noting that domestic production has been ramped up by 36% this month.
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Restore Commercial Supply: Distribution for hotels, restaurants, and small businesses is expected to stabilize over the next 72 hours.
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Counter Black Marketing: State governments have been directed to maintain high vigilance and continue raids on illegal hoarding sites.
