India’s LPG Lifeline: Tanker ‘Pine Gas’ Set To Dock At Vizag Port

VISAKHAPATNAM / NEW DELHI — In a critical move to stabilize India’s cooking gas supply, the Indian-flagged LPG tanker Pine Gas is expected to dock at the Visakhapatnam (Vizag) Port in the early hours of Thursday, April 2, 2026.

The vessel, hauling 47,000 tonnes of LPG from the Persian Gulf, was originally destined for New Mangalore and later scheduled for Dhamra, Odisha. However, authorities opted for a mid-voyage change to Vizag to ensure a quicker discharge of its vital cargo as the nation faces energy disruptions linked to the ongoing US-Iran conflict.

1. A Perilous Journey Through Hormuz

The arrival of the Pine Gas marks the end of a high-stakes maritime operation.

• The “Larak Channel” Route: Unlike the standard shipping lanes now heavily mined, the Pine Gas was guided by Iran’s IRGC through a narrow, unconventional channel north of Larak Island.
• Escaped the War Zone: The crew reportedly witnessed daily drone and missile activity while waiting for clearance. After exiting the Strait, the tanker was escorted for nearly 20 hours by four Indian Navy warships through the Gulf of Oman to the Arabian Sea.
• Consent-Based Mission: Mumbai-based Seven Islands Shipping only proceeded with the transit after securing the individual consent of all 27 Indian crew members on board.

2. Vizag Port: Prepared for Priority Berthing

The Vizag Port Authority has confirmed it is “fully prepared” for the early morning arrival.

• Strategic Handling: The port features deep-water facilities and specialized LPG units compliant with PESO (Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organization) standards.
• Government Directive: Under a recent Shipping Ministry order, LPG and natural gas tankers are being granted absolute berthing priority over all other vessels to mitigate the “dry-out” of retail fuel outlets across India.

3. The National Context: Fuel Prices & Shortages

The docking comes as Indian consumers face record-high energy costs.

• Price Surge: On April 1, commercial LPG rates were hiked by ₹195.50, and Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF) doubled to a historic ₹2.07 lakh per kilolitre.
• Domestic Stability: While commercial rates have soared, the government has kept domestic (14.2 kg) cylinder prices steady at ₹913 in Delhi to protect households from the immediate impact of the $100+ per barrel crude prices.
• The “Friendly Nation” Clause: India is currently one of the few “friendly nations” (alongside China and Russia) being granted selective passage through the Strait of Hormuz by Iran, though 18 other Indian-flagged vessels remain stranded in the Persian Gulf.

Ship Profile: Pine Gas