Two liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) carriers transporting nearly 94,000 metric tonnes of cooking gas to India have safely passed through the Strait of Hormuz, offering reassurance on fuel supply for regions including Guwahati and Assam.
The update was shared by Rajesh Kumar Sinha, Special Secretary at the Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways, on March 30.
Two LPG carriers carrying nearly 94,000 metric tonnes of cooking gas have safely crossed the Strait of Hormuz and are heading to India. The development ensures a stable LPG supply across the country, including Guwahati, despite ongoing geopolitical tensions in West Asia.
Tankers En Route to Indian Ports
The vessels — BW Tyr and BW Elm — are expected to dock at:
- Mumbai on March 31
- New Mangalore on April 1
From these ports, LPG is distributed across the country, including to northeastern states like Assam, through existing supply chains.
Why This Matters for Guwahati
Guwahati and other parts of Assam depend significantly on LPG transported from ports in western and southern India.
Stable arrival of shipments means:
- No immediate disruption in LPG cylinder availability
- Continued supply for households and commercial users
- Reduced risk of sudden price or supply shocks
This is particularly important for urban households in Guwahati, where LPG is the primary cooking fuel.
Strait of Hormuz Remains a Critical Route
The Strait of Hormuz is a key global shipping route, and recent geopolitical tensions involving the United States, Israel, and Iran have affected maritime traffic in the region.
However, authorities in Iran have allowed passage of vessels considered “non-hostile,” enabling continued movement of essential shipments like LPG.
Multiple Indian Vessels Navigating the Region
According to ship tracking data:
- Four Indian LPG carriers have already passed through the Strait
- Three more vessels are currently in the western section
The government also confirmed that 18 Indian-flagged vessels, carrying 485 Indian crew members, are operating in the Persian Gulf region.
India’s Heavy Dependence on LPG Imports
India is the world’s second-largest importer of LPG, with a large portion of its supply sourced from the Middle East.
Key figures:
- Annual consumption: 33.15 million tonnes
- Imports: Around 60% of demand
- Middle East share: Nearly 90% of imports
This makes uninterrupted maritime supply crucial for cities like Guwahati.
No Disruption Reported So Far
Despite ongoing tensions in West Asia, authorities have stated that:
- Port operations across India remain normal
- No congestion or delays have been reported
- Energy supply chains are functioning smoothly
This provides reassurance for consumers and distributors across Assam.
What Happens Next
The situation in West Asia will continue to be monitored closely by Indian authorities.
For now, with shipments arriving as scheduled, LPG supply in Guwahati and across the country is expected to remain stable in the near term.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Will the LPG supply be affected in Guwahati due to global tensions?
Currently, there is no disruption. LPG shipments are arriving as scheduled, ensuring a stable supply in Guwahati and Assam.
2. Why is the Strait of Hormuz important for LPG supply?
It is a major global shipping route through which a large portion of India’s LPG imports from the Middle East passes.