Amid the global supply chain crisis, the cargo ship ‘Pyxis Pioneer’ has reached New Mangalore Port carrying a significant load of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG). Originating from Texas, US, the vessel with a gross tonnage of 47,236 tonnes is set to unload 16,714 tonnes of LPG. Safety checks and unloading procedures are currently in progress at the port to ensure a smooth operation.
The arrival of this large LPG consignment is anticipated to enhance fuel availability in South India. Notably, another ship from the US, named ‘Aqua Titan,’ has also arrived in India, along with a vessel transporting Russian crude oil to Mangalore. These developments come after the US granted a temporary license for the sale of Russian crude oil stranded at sea since March 12, aiming to stabilize global fuel prices amidst tensions in West Asia.
India has significantly increased its procurement of Russian oil following the US’s permission to boost imports temporarily. This surge in purchases is a strategic response to supply disruptions in West Asia due to the ongoing conflicts involving Iran. The recent docking of the Indian-flagged LPG tanker ‘Nanda Devi’ at Vadinar Port in Gujarat further underscores the country’s efforts to secure essential LPG supplies, especially after the challenging voyage through the Strait of Hormuz.
Amid concerns over the shortage of commercial LPG cylinders in Karnataka, Food and Civil Supplies Minister K.H. Muniyappa has urged cooperation from hotel owners and other commercial users. With only a fraction of the required 40,000 cylinders being supplied daily, stakeholders are advised to manage for a week until fresh shipments arrive. Muniyappa emphasized the ongoing dialogue with Iran to address the supply issue and called for temporary adjustments to mitigate the crisis.
