India deploys warships for safe LPG transport, following Pakistan's lead amid supply concerns.
Indian authorities have confirmed that warships have been dispatched towards the Gulf of Basra to ensure the safe passage of vessels, particularly those carrying critical cargoes such as oil and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG). This move parallels a similar initiative by Pakistan, which began its first escort missions last week.
Amid growing concerns over LPG supply in the country, calls have been made for the release of two LPG tankers. While the government asserts that production has been increased and supply is adequate, media reports indicate that public anxiety persists. A significant number of households in India use LPG for cooking, and the country is the second-largest market for LPG imports from the Middle East.
Reports indicate that India has sent three Visakhapatnam-class warships westward. These vessels have positioned themselves north of the Gulf of Oman, avoiding entry into the Strait of Hormuz or the Gulf of Basra. Here, they are escorting two Indian-flagged LPG tankers owned by the state-run Shipping Corporation of India. Television footage showed one of the warships sailing in close proximity to at least one of the tankers heading towards India.
The first LPG-carrying vessel, Shivalik, docked at Mundra Port on Monday, March 16. The 2008-built ship is reported to have a deadweight tonnage of approximately 54,534 dwt and is carrying at least 40,000 metric tons of LPG. It is followed by Nanda Devi, which is expected to reach the port on Tuesday. This 2001-built vessel is said to have a deadweight tonnage of 53,500 dwt. With a total of 92,700 metric tons of LPG set to arrive in the country, concerns over short-term supply shortages appear to be easing.
The agreement regarding the safe passage of the two LPG tankers is believed to be linked to Iran's efforts to secure the release of three vessels from India. The Indian Ministry of Shipping has announced that there are 22 Indian-flagged vessels in the western Gulf of Basra, along with over 600 Indian sailors. Additionally, there are three more vessels with 76 Indian sailors operating east of the Strait of Hormuz.
Source: SeaNews Türkiye
