LPG Cylinder Shortage: Production Rises, Online Bookings Surge as States Crack Down on Hoarding Two LPG vessels, the Nanda Devi and Shivalik, carrying a combined 92,700 metric tonnes of liquefied petroleum gas, have crossed the Strait of Hormuz and are en route to India. The Nanda Devi is expected to arrive on March 16, while the Shivalik will reach Mundra Port on March 17. These shipments come amid ongoing geopolitical tensions that have disrupted global energy supply routes, with authorities prioritizing their unloading to alleviate domestic shortages. Despite these efforts, concerns over cooking gas supply persist, affecting sectors such as restaurants, hostels, and companies reliant on consistent kitchen operations. In Delhi, top private schools have warned that lunch services could face disruptions if LPG supplies tighten further, while malls have urged restaurants to operate with limited gas usage. The government has reassured citizens that oil companies are delivering approximately 50 lakh LPG cylinders daily, emphasizing that supplies remain stable. Authorities have also intensified efforts to combat rumors, hoarding, and black marketing of cylinders. Domestic LPG production has increased by 36% compared to previous months, and online cylinder bookings have risen from 84% to 90% of total demand. State governments have implemented measures to curb hoarding, with the Nanda Devi tanker set to arrive the following day. The Shivalik, which safely navigated the Strait of Hormuz amid heightened regional tensions, has reached Mundra Port after completing necessary documentation and securing priority berthing. This arrival is expected to ease some pressure on India’s fuel supplies, though challenges remain.#strait_of_hormuz #shivalik #nanda_devil #mundra_port #guruji_indane_gas_service
LPG bookings fall to 77 lakh; Indian crude tanker sails out of UAE’s Fujairah safely Liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) refill bookings have dropped to about 77 lakh from 88.8 lakh in the previous period, signaling a slight easing of panic buying. The government reiterated that there is no shortage of petrol, diesel, or cooking gas, with supplies remaining stable despite ongoing tensions in West Asia. Domestic refineries are operating at full capacity and maintaining sufficient crude oil inventories, ensuring the country remains self-sufficient in petrol and diesel production. Oil marketing companies reported no shortages at fuel retail outlets or LPG distributorships, and regular supplies of petrol, diesel, and LPG are being maintained. An Indian-flagged crude tanker, the Jag Laadki, safely departed from Fujairah in the United Arab Emirates after loading 80,800 tonnes of Murban crude oil. The vessel, which left at 10:30 a.m. IST, is en route to India with all crew members unharmed. Jag Laadki is the fourth Indian-flagged ship to exit the war zone unscathed. Earlier on March 14, two Indian-flagged LPG carriers, Shivalik and Nanda Devi, successfully crossed the Strait of Hormuz, which has been affected by conflict. The government’s daily update on the West Asia situation noted a rise in online LPG bookings to 87% from 84%, attributing the increase to campaigns by oil marketing companies promoting digital booking and discouraging panic purchases at physical dealerships. The decline in LPG bookings was highlighted, with 77 lakh recorded on March 15 compared to 88.8 lakh on March 13. The government emphasized its commitment to ensuring uninterrupted LPG supply for households and priority sectors like hospitals and educational institutions.#strait_of_hormuz #indian_crude_tanker #fujairah #jag_laadki #shivalik
