LPG vessel Shivalik reaches Mundra amid Hormuz crisis, Nanda Devi next

New Delhi: Against the backdrop of the situation unfolding in West Asia—triggered by potential attacks on Iran by the US and Israel—the government stated on Monday that there is absolutely no shortage of crude oil, petrol, or diesel anywhere in the country. While the situation regarding LPG cylinders remains a cause for concern, no LPG distributor in the country has currently run out of stock. Domestic LPG consumers are receiving a full and uninterrupted supply.

The government confirmed that the *Shivalik*—one of two LPG-laden vessels that departed from the Persian Gulf—arrived at Mundra Port on Monday evening. The second vessel, the *Nanda Devi*, is scheduled to arrive at Kandla Port on Tuesday. Together, these two vessels are transporting a total of 92,712 tonnes of LPG.

22 Vessels Currently Stationed Beyond the Strait of Hormuz

There are currently 22 Indian vessels positioned beyond the Strait of Hormuz; all 611 personnel on board these vessels are safe. The Indian vessel *Jag Ladki*, carrying approximately 81,000 tonnes of crude oil, is en route and is expected to arrive on Tuesday. Meanwhile, 640 Indian nationals have already been evacuated from Iran to Armenia and Azerbaijan via land borders.

During a joint briefing attended by officials from the Ministries of Petroleum & Natural Gas, External Affairs, Information & Broadcasting, and Shipping, Sujata Sharma—Joint Secretary at the Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas—stated that there is an adequate supply of crude oil and that refineries are operating at 100% capacity.

The government further asserted that state administrations have begun allocating commercial LPG on a priority basis. Additionally, City Gas Distribution companies are offering incentives to LPG consumers who opt to switch to Piped Natural Gas (PNG) connections. Overall, domestic LPG production within the country has witnessed a 36% increase. Incentives to Promote PNG Connections

Sujata stated, "Incentives are being offered to encourage the uptake of PNG connections. IGL has announced that any LPG consumer who obtains a PNG connection and begins consuming gas before March 31 will be provided with free gas worth ₹500. Mahanagar Gas has waived the ₹500 registration fee for domestic PNG consumers, as well as the security deposit for commercial consumers."

Qatar's Airspace Partially Open

Regarding the repatriation of Indian nationals, an official from the Ministry of External Affairs informed that more than 45 flights from various locations were scheduled to arrive in India on Monday. Qatar's airspace remains partially open. Qatar Airways is expected to operate three flights to India on Monday and Tuesday.

Increase in Online Booking of LPG Cylinders

During the briefing, it was noted that the online booking of LPG cylinders has increased. According to data from Sunday, approximately 90% of bookings are now being made online. The utilization of the Delivery Authentication Code has also risen to 72%, up from a previous level of 53%. Sujata added, "Since March 5, LPG production within the country has increased by 36%. Priority for commercial LPG cylinders is being accorded to educational institutions and hospitals; however, it has been left to the discretion of the respective state governments to determine which entities require priority supply."