The government confirmed that Pine Gas and Jag Vasant, two LPG carriers, have safely passed through the Strait of Hormuz and are en route to India. Pine Gas, carrying 45,000 metric tonnes of LPG, is expected to reach New Mangalore port on March 27, while Jag Vasant, with 47,600 metric tonnes of LPG, will dock at Kandla port on March 26. Rajesh Kumar Sinha, Special Secretary of the Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways, revealed this information during an inter-ministerial briefing.
These vessels, Jag Vasant and Pine Gas, were observed traversing the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz after being granted permission for safe transit. Typically, a complete journey through this strait takes approximately 14 hours. The recent passage of these carriers through the strait comes amidst escalated tensions in the region following military actions by the US and Israel in late February.
Jag Vasant loaded its LPG cargo from Kuwait, while Pine Gas collected its shipment from Ruwais in the UAE. Both vessels had been stranded in the area due to heightened tensions but have now been allowed to proceed. Earlier this month, two other Indian-flagged LPG carriers also successfully completed similar voyages through the Strait.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, addressing the Rajya Sabha, underscored the government’s strategies to shield citizens from global oil shocks. He emphasized the importance of maintaining operational global energy supply routes and promoting self-reliance in various sectors, including fuel transportation and maritime corridors. PM Modi stressed the significance of ‘Atmanirbharta’ (self-reliance) as a means to safeguard the country and its people from international shocks. He highlighted the government’s initiative to boost ‘Made in India’ ships with an investment of Rs 70,000 crore to reduce dependency on foreign players.
