India is closely tracking the movement of 16 India-flagged vessels currently operating in the Persian Gulf, carrying a total of 433 Indian seafarers, as geopolitical tensions in West Asia continue to affect regional shipping routes and energy logistics. Officials from the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways confirmed the update during an inter-ministerial briefing, noting that maritime authorities remain in constant coordination with shipowners, recruitment agencies, and Indian missions abroad to ensure crew safety.
According to the government, the fleet includes one liquefied natural gas carrier, two liquefied petroleum gas vessels, six crude oil tankers, three container ships, one dredger, two bulk cargo vessels, and one chemical carrier. One LPG vessel and one crude tanker are currently operating without cargo. Authorities emphasized that the Directorate General of Shipping is maintaining continuous oversight of vessel activity in the region as security concerns persist near the Strait of Hormuz.
Two LPG carriers, Green Sanvi and Green Asha, have recently completed safe passages through the Strait of Hormuz, offering reassurance about the movement of critical fuel supplies. Green Sanvi is transporting approximately 46,650 metric tonnes of LPG with 25 crew members onboard and is expected to reach India on April 7. Green Asha, carrying around 15,405 metric tonnes of LPG with 26 seafarers onboard, is scheduled to arrive on April 9.
Alongside maritime monitoring efforts, the government has increased domestic natural gas allocations to protect essential industries from rising global prices and supply disruptions. Allocation to the fertilizer sector has been raised from earlier levels of 70 to 75 percent to 90 percent of its assessed consumption needs, helping stabilize supply ahead of the upcoming Kharif agricultural season. City gas distribution networks and other industrial consumers have also received an additional 10 percent allocation, increasing their total coverage to 90 percent of estimated demand.
Officials also reassured the public that food security remains stable despite international uncertainty. India currently maintains a buffer stock of approximately 602 lakh metric tonnes of wheat and rice combined, which authorities say is sufficient to meet public distribution system needs as well as emergency requirements if necessary. Supplies of edible oil remain steady, with imports continuing from major partners including Indonesia, Malaysia, Argentina, and Brazil.
To further strengthen domestic fuel availability, state-owned refineries have postponed scheduled maintenance shutdowns in response to the ongoing conflict in West Asia. The move is intended to prevent potential supply shortages and maintain operational stability across the energy sector. Only the privately operated Nayara Energy refinery is expected to temporarily suspend operations beginning April 9 as part of its planned maintenance schedule.
