Russian oil tanker MT Aqua Tita arrives off Mangaluru port amid Middle East tensions | India News
A Russian oil tanker chartered by Mangalore Refinery and Petrochemicals Ltd (MRPL) reached Indian shores on Sunday, highlighting ongoing concerns over global energy supplies amid rising tensions in the Middle East. The ship, MT Aqua Titan, is currently anchored in the Arabian Sea about 10 nautical miles off the coast of Mangaluru, a day earlier than expected.The arrival comes as international energy markets remain volatile, with supply chains disrupted by intense conflict in the region, now in its fourth week. Major sea routes, particularly through the Strait of Hormuz, are facing uncertainty, affecting the steady flow of crude oil and liquefied gas.
Earlier today, a cargo ship carrying liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) from Texas in the US docked at the New Mangalore port, further boosting India’s energy imports. In a move aimed at facilitating smooth operations, the shipping ministry recently announced waiver of cargo-related charges for crude oil and LPG shipments at the port from March 14 to 31. Officials also confirmed that there is currently no traffic congestion at any port in India.Providing an operational update, Rajesh Kumar Sinha, Special Secretary in the Ministry of Shipping said that all 22 Indian ships operating in the Persian Gulf region and 611 seafarers are safe. He added that the authorities were closely monitoring the development and had not reported any marine incidents in the last 24 hours.Meanwhile, India’s larger energy supply is adapting to the growing situation Indian-flagged tanker *Jag Ladki* recently arrived at Mundra port in Gujarat, while LPG carriers *MT Shivalik* and *MT Nanda Devi* safely delivered 92,000 metric tonnes of LPG to the Strait of Hormuz earlier this month.Internally, officials have tried to reassure the public about fuel availability. The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas reported a significant drop in panicked LPG bookings, recording 5.5 million on Thursday, indicating stabilizing consumer sentiment. Despite growing concerns and a 25 percent hike in industrial diesel prices, authorities maintain that adequate stock levels are available nationwide.Elsewhere, Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired a high-level review meeting on Sunday, focusing on ensuring uninterrupted supply, stable supply and efficient distribution of critical energy resources across the country.
