- Indian Oil cargo vessel arrives with massive LPG consignment for western and southern markets
- 20,000 MT to be discharged at Mundra; remaining 26,000 MT destined for Mangalore terminal
- Strategic shipment strengthens India’s cooking fuel supply chain amid rising energy demand
- Mundra reinforces its role as a key gateway for India’s LPG import logistics
NE ENERGY BUREAU
MUNDRA, MAR 16
A major consignment of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) reached India’s western coast today as the LPG carrier Shivalik berthed at the Mundra Port carrying 46,000 metric tonnes of LPG ordered by Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOC).
According to shipping and port officials, 20,000 MT of the cargo will be discharged at Mundra, while the remaining 26,000 MT will be transported to the LPG terminal at New Mangalore Port, strengthening supplies across western and southern India.
The arrival of the vessel marks another critical step in ensuring uninterrupted LPG availability, which is widely used across the country for household cooking, commercial use and industrial applications.
Mundra strengthens India’s energy logistics
The docking of the LPG carrier further highlights the growing importance of Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Limited (APSEZ)-operated Mundra Port as a strategic energy gateway for India.
India relies heavily on imports to meet its LPG demand, and large cargo vessels such as Shivalik play a vital role in maintaining stable supply chains. Efficient ports like Mundra help reduce logistics costs by enabling faster discharge and distribution of imported energy cargo.
The port is equipped with dedicated liquid cargo infrastructure and LPG handling facilities, enabling safe unloading and storage of large volumes of petroleum gas before onward distribution.
Fuel supply for millions of households
Officials said the LPG cargo imported by Indian Oil Corporation Limited will feed into the national supply chain, supporting LPG bottling plants and distribution networks that supply cooking gas to millions of households.
“Large LPG shipments such as this are essential to maintaining steady supplies across regions. With demand for LPG continuing to grow, efficient port handling and quick distribution are critical to India’s energy security,” a senior port logistics official said.
Energy analysts noted that India’s LPG consumption has grown significantly in recent years, driven by expanding access to clean cooking fuel and rising urban demand.
“Strategic import terminals on the west coast, including Mundra, are vital to India’s LPG logistics network. They ensure quick movement of fuel to both industrial consumers and household markets,” an industry expert observed.
Strategic cargo split between ports
Shipping sources said the cargo has been strategically split between two major ports to optimise logistics and distribution efficiency.
While the Mundra unloading will serve Gujarat and northern markets, the consignment moving onward to New Mangalore Port will support southern India’s LPG distribution network.
Energy logistics planners say such multi-port cargo allocations help reduce inland transportation costs and ensure faster delivery to bottling plants across different regions.
Growing role of Mundra in India’s energy trade
Located on the Gujarat coast, Mundra Port has emerged as India’s largest commercial port and one of the country’s most advanced energy cargo hubs, capable of handling a wide range of cargo including crude oil, LPG, LNG and bulk commodities.
With expanding liquid cargo terminals and growing energy imports, the port continues to play a pivotal role in supporting India’s rapidly expanding energy economy.
