Indian crude oil tanker arrives amid West Asia tensions

The Indian-flagged crude oil tanker Jag Laadki, carrying approximately 80,886 metric tonnes of crude oil, reached Mundra Port in Gujarat on Wednesday, amid escalating tensions in West Asia, officials said.

The vessel, sourced from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and loaded at Fujairah Port, measures 274.19 metres in length and 50.04 metres in beam, with a deadweight tonnage of around 164,716 tonnes and a gross tonnage of about 84,735 tonnes. Adani Ports, which operates Mundra, highlighted the port’s key role in handling large-scale crude imports, ensuring energy security during regional disruptions.

Earlier this week, LPG carrier Nanda Devi docked at Vadinar port in Gujarat’s Devbhumi Dwarka district with 46,500 metric tonnes of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), navigating through the Strait of Hormuz. Another LPG tanker, Shivalik, had arrived at Mundra Port on Monday.

Adani Ports noted that such shipments are vital for maintaining refinery operations and stabilizing India’s energy supply amid supply chain disruptions caused by the ongoing Israel-US and Iran conflict. Fujairah Port, a major loading point for Gulf crude, recently faced drone and missile attacks linked to the war.

India relies heavily on imports for its energy needs, sourcing about 88 per cent of crude oil, 50 per cent of natural gas, and 60 per cent of LPG from abroad. Before February 28, when US-Israel strikes targeted Iran and Tehran retaliated, over half of India’s crude, about 30 per cent of gas, and 85–90 per cent of LPG came from Middle Eastern countries such as Saudi Arabia and the UAE.

The conflict has partially blocked the Strait of Hormuz, the main transit route for Gulf energy supplies. While India has partially compensated for crude supply disruptions by importing from countries including Russia, gas supplies to industrial users have been reduced, and LPG availability to hotels and restaurants has been curtailed.

The safe arrival of Jag Laadki highlights the strategic role of Indian ports in securing essential energy lifelines during regional crises.