New Delhi, March 22: Amid ongoing global supply chain disruptions, a major cargo vessel carrying liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) from the United States has docked at Mangalore Port, strengthening India’s fuel supply position.
The vessel, Pyxis Pioneer, transported LPG from the US state of Texas, marking a key addition to India’s diversified energy sourcing strategy. Prior to this, another US-linked vessel, Aqua Titan, also arrived, while a separate shipment of Russian crude oil reached the port.
The crude cargo, positioned offshore, is being offloaded using a single-point mooring system and transferred via pipeline to Mangalore Refinery and Petrochemicals Limited for processing. The shipment followed a temporary general license issued by the US allowing the sale of Russian crude that was stranded at sea as of March 12, aimed at easing global supply pressures.
India has concurrently scaled up imports of Russian oil, supported by temporary regulatory flexibility from the United States, as part of efforts to stabilise domestic fuel availability amid disruptions in West Asia.
On the west coast, additional LPG supplies have also been secured, with the Indian-flagged tanker Nanda Devi docking at Vadinar Port, following the arrival of Shivalik at Mundra Port.
These shipments navigated through the Strait of Hormuz, where maritime traffic remains under strain due to ongoing geopolitical tensions involving Iran, the United States, and Israel.
According to authorities, 22 Indian-flagged vessels with over 600 seafarers remain in the western Persian Gulf region, with Directorate General of Shipping closely monitoring the situation in coordination with stakeholders.
The developments underscore India’s proactive strategy to secure energy supplies through diversified sourcing and resilient logistics amid evolving global uncertainties.
