8th India-Flagged LPG Vessel Crosses Strait of Hormuz as Indian Government Denies Fuel Shortages

Green Asha transits strategic waterway amid US-Israel-Iran war; New Delhi says 100,000 5kg LPG cylinders sold daily and no Indian sailors harmed.

SHARJAH — An eighth India-flagged LPG carrier has crossed the Strait of Hormuz amid ongoing regional hostilities, with another vessel expected to follow, as the Indian government moves to reassure citizens that there is no shortage of cooking gas or fuel across the country.

The LPG carrier Green Asha, carrying 15,400 tonnes of LPG, transited the strait on Sunday, becoming the eighth Indian vessel to do so since the US-Israel-Iran war began on February 28. Meanwhile, the Jag Vikram is currently in the Arabian Gulf, awaiting instructions from the Indian Navy for its own passage through the strategic waterway.

Earlier on Saturday, the Indian government confirmed that the Green Sanvi — carrying 46,650 tonnes of LPG with 25 crew onboard — had also successfully transited the strait and is expected to arrive at Dahej in Gujarat on Tuesday.

India’s Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas stated that 17 India-flagged vessels carrying 460 seafarers are currently in the Arabian Gulf region. The ministry assured that all Indian sailors are safe and that no incident has involved any Indian-flagged vessels.

Iran, meanwhile, has claimed it has implemented a series of precautionary measures to prevent additional risks to ships traversing the Strait of Hormuz.

‘No shortage’ of LPG, government says

Contrary to media reports, the Indian government has asserted that there is no shortage of LPG in the country. Nearly 100,000 5kg “free trade LPG” (FTL) cylinders are being sold daily at market rates, officials said. Consumers do not need to provide any proof to procure these cylinders from local dealers.

The government also confirmed that all refineries are operating at high capacity with adequate crude inventories. Petrol pumps are fully stocked, and authorities urged the public to avoid panic buying.

To counter any potential supply disruptions, the government said it is taking action against hoarding and black marketing. More than 50,000 cylinders have been seized over the past month, and show-cause notices have been issued to nearly 1,500 dealers.

Supplies of natural gas to fertilizer plants are at almost 90 percent of average consumption, the ministry added.

The government is also promoting the use of piped natural gas (PNG), especially in larger cities, to reduce reliance on LPG.

“Domestic PNG connections are a top priority for the government, and 100 percent of it is being supplied,” an official statement said. “Similarly, CNG being used for transportation is also being made available to 100 percent of consumers.”