New Delhi: Around 1.6 Million Metric Tonnes (MMT) of India’s crude oil imports and 200,000 tonnes of LNG imports that were enroute the country’s coastline are presently stuck in the Strait of Hormuz due to the blockade imposed by Iran on the global chokepoint. A day ago, Energy Watch reported that 300,000 LPG that was supposed to come to India was stuck in the strait because of the West Asia conflict.
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At an inter-ministerial press briefing on Wednesday, Rajesh Kumar Sinha, Special Secretary, Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, told the media, “Regarding cargo (stuck in the Strait of Hormuz), yesterday, I might have given you the LPG breakup, which is around 300,000 tons. It’s about 320,000 tonnes now. LPG is about 200,000 metric tons and crude oil is 1.67 MMT.”
India is continuously engaging with countries in West Asia to ensure safe passage for the cargoes stuck in the strait. On March 17, Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and discussed the situation in West Asia. The PM posted on X, “We discussed the current situation in West Asia. Reiterated India’s strong condemnation of all attacks on the UAE that have resulted in loss of innocent lives and damage to civilian infrastructure. We agreed on the importance of ensuring safe and free navigation through the Strait of Hormuz. We will continue to work together for the early restoration of peace, security and stability in the region.”
The government officials have said that while crude oil supply situation is stable and refineries are operating at full capacity, LNG imports are also “enough.” Sujata Sharma, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, said, “I’d like to say that we have sufficient inventories (of crude oil). We procure crude from more than 40 countries, and our refineries are running at full capacity… we have enough supply of LNG as well, and that’s mainly why we’re asking consumers to switch from LPG to PNG.”
Commenting on requests received from countries such as Bangladesh and Sri Lanka for petroleum product exports, Sharma said, “What I can say is that the country’s interest is the top priority. First, domestic demand must be met, and, only if there’s a surplus can the appropriate authorities decide on exports.”
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“The international price of crude oil has gone up, so it’s affecting us too, but so far, there hasn’t been any increase in petrol and diesel prices… we have received requests (from other countries) and are looking into it, keeping in mind our own needs and availability,” she added.