In the backdrop of the current tension in West Asia that is upsetting world energy supply networks, an LPG ship called Apollo Ocean reached New Mangalore Port on Wednesday night and gave India a much-needed boost in its fuel supply. The ship arrived at about 8 PM and loaded about 16,000 metric tonnes of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and immediately, unloading started.
It is a timely delivery given that geopolitical unrest in the area, especially along the Strait of Hormuz, has interfered with major seaways and cast doubt on steady fuel availability. This state of affairs has required a number of logistical changes that have complicated already fragile supply chains.
Another LPG vessel, already passed the Strait of Hormuz, Shivalik, changed its delivery schedule in another related development. The ship instead of offloading part of its cargo as initially expected in Mangaluru discharged all of its cargo in one of the ports in Gujarat. Irrespective of this rerouting, several Indian flagged vessels have managed to cross the region and deliver LPG cargo without incident.
Discussing the problem, Narendra Modi pointed out in the Rajya Sabha that the current conflict has caused a major world energy crisis. He pointed out that it has affected supply of basic commodities, such as petrol, diesel, LPG and fertilisers because of disruption in trade routes.
With the coming of Apollo Ocean, there is a feeling that the region will no longer face urgent supply issues, although those in charge are watching the situation as it unfolds.