• Source:JND

Amid rising tensions in the Middle East that has entered its third week now, and growing concerns about a possible LPG shortage in India, two LPG carriers have successfully crossed the Strait of Hormuz. The development is significant as Iran has taken measures to disrupt maritime traffic passing through this crucial chokepoint. The names of the ships are Shivalik and Nanda Devi; they are now headed to India.

Shivalik Exits Strait of Hormuz

According to news agency ANI, citing sources, an Indian-flagged LPG carrier, Shivalik, owned by the Shipping Corporation of India, has successfully crossed Hormuz strait and entered open waters. The vessel is reportedly carrying more than 40,000 metric tonnes of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG). The ship is currently being escorted by the Indian Navy, ensuring its safety as it travels toward India. The vessel is expected to reach the Indian coast within the next few days and dock at either Mumbai or Kandla port. 


Where Are The Carriers Now?

The shipment comes after talks between External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Iran Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi. While the Strait remains closed for several western and Israeli tankers, Iran has allowed Indian vessels to pass through Hormuz. According to the Marinetraffic website, which tracks movement of shipping vessels, LPG tanker Shivalik, is currently located in the Oman Gulf in the Arabian Sea and sailing at speed of 99 knots. It started its journey on March 7 from Iran. Meanwhile, LPG tanker Nanda Devi is currently reported to be sailing in the Persian Gulf.

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How Many Domestic Cylinders Can They Fill?

Shivalik is India's third Very Large Gas Carrier (VLGC). The 82,000 CBM vessel, named after the Himalayan range, was inducted into SCI’s fleet on September 10, 2025. The LPG cargo on board can supply many households in India. The 40,000 metric tonnes, which is around 40 million kg of LPG, can fill approximately 2,816,901 (2.8 million) domestic cylinders. This calculation is based on the standard weight of domestic gas cylinders in India. 

1 metric tonne=1,000 kg. 

Total cargo reported to be carried by Shivalik: 40,000 MT x 1, 000 kg/MT = 40,000, 000 kg. 
Standard Domestic Cylinder Weight= 14.2 kg.
Total cylinders it can fill: 40, 000, 000 kg ÷ 14.2 kg= 2,816,901 cylinders. 

Nanda Devi Vessel

According to News 18 reports, citing government sources, Nanda Devi is carrying more than 46,000 metric tonnes of LPG. The shipment is considered crucial for India's energy supply chain amid growing uncertainty over maritime routes. Based on similar calculations, 46,000 metric tonnes of LPG can fill approximately 3, 239, 436 domestic cylinders.

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