An LPG carrier, Jag Vasant, docked at Kandla Port on Friday, delivering 42,000 metric tons of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) as India continues to secure energy supplies amid tensions in the Middle East and disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz.
The vessel is expected to begin mid-sea transfer operations shortly.
Jag Vasant, along with another LPG tanker Pine Gas, had departed for India earlier this week, navigating through an unconventional route via the Qeshm–Larak channel instead of the usual direct passage into the Arabian Sea. Tracking data indicated that both ships sailed in close proximity while broadcasting specific identity signals such as “PINE GAS INDIAN SHIP” and “JGVASNTINDSHIPINDCRW,” replacing generic onboard identifiers.
The change in messaging is seen as a precautionary measure, likely reflecting prior clearance from Iranian authorities and an effort to minimise risks while transiting the sensitive channel.
According to Rajesh Kumar Sinha, Special Secretary, Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Jag Vasant had safely crossed the Strait of Hormuz and was scheduled to arrive on March 26.
With this arrival, Jag Vasant becomes the fourth Indian LPG tanker to reach domestic ports in recent days. Earlier, Shivalik berthed at Mundra Port on March 16, followed by Nanda Devi at Vadinar Port a day later, together carrying over 92,000 metric tons of LPG. Another vessel, Apollo Ocean, arrived at New Mangalore Port on March 26.
The steady arrival of LPG cargoes underscores India’s efforts to maintain energy supply chains despite ongoing geopolitical uncertainties affecting key maritime routes.