LPG from US, Crude from Russia Reach India

Ships Dock Safely

A cargo ship loaded with liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) from Texas in the US docked at Mangaluru Port on Sunday. Another vessel carrying crude oil from Russia also reached India the same day. Sources in the shipping ministry confirmed both ships passed through tense waters without incident.

In the past week, five such vessels have arrived by sea. Officials hailed the development as a boost amid regional disruptions.

Recent Arrivals Detailed

The crude oil tanker Jag Ladki berthed at Mundra Port in Gujarat on March 18. It carried 80,886 metric tons from Fujairah in the UAE.

On March 17, MT Nanda Devi reached Vadinar Port in Jamnagar with 46,000 metric tons of LPG. The day before, MT Shivalik arrived at Mundra carrying another 46,000 metric tons from Qatar—equivalent to 32.4 lakh domestic cylinders.

All three transited the Strait of Hormuz between March 14 and 18.

22 Ships Still Safe

The Centre reported all 22 Indian-flagged ships remain stranded in the Persian Gulf but are safe. "No damage or threats reported," a ministry spokesperson said.

The Strait of Hormuz, a 167-km waterway linking the Gulf to the Arabian Sea, handles 20% of global oil. Tensions have halted most tanker traffic.

LPG Boost Announced

States will receive 20% more LPG from March 23, pushing supplies to 50% of pre-crisis levels. Dr Neeraj Mittal, Secretary in the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, wrote to chief secretaries directing priority to community kitchens, dhabas, hotels, and industrial canteens.

Migrant workers get first dibs on 5 kg free trade LPG cylinders. Authorities urged steps against black marketing.

War Disrupts Supplies

The crisis stems from Operation Epic Fury on February 28, when US and Israeli forces struck Iranian military and nuclear sites. Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and several ministers died in the attacks.

India sources 80-85% of its LPG imports via Hormuz. As the world's second-largest importer, the country faced shortages, though the government dismissed shortage rumours.

Import Dependence Exposed

More than 60% of India's LPG comes from abroad, mainly Gulf nations like Qatar, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, and Kuwait. The route's blockade hit supplies hard.

Russia and the US stepped in with alternate cargoes. Ports in Gujarat and Karnataka handled the latest inflows smoothly.

Priority Sectors Benefit

Households, restaurants, and factories stand to gain most. The extra allocation eases pressure on daily cooking fuel.

Industry watchers expect stabilised prices if arrivals continue. Black market risks persist without vigilant distribution.

Path Ahead Uncertain

The Centre monitors Gulf developments closely. Alternative routes and stockpiles provide a buffer, but prolonged conflict could strain reserves.

Shipping firms reroute where possible. Officials predict normalcy if Hormuz reopens soon. India pushes for diversified imports in this latest news today from English news portal India.

Trump Announces India-Venezuela Oil Deal; Reliance in Talks with US for Approval

In a statement that could reshape global oil trade flows, former US President Donald Trump has claimed that India has finalized a deal to purchase crude oil from Venezuela instead of Iran. Speaking to reporters, Trump stated, “We have already made a deal. India is coming and will buy oil from Venezuela, not from Iran,” adding that China was also welcome to join the arrangement. The Indian government has not yet officially commented on the claim.

The announcement highlights the ongoing geopolitical maneuvering in global energy markets, where major consumers like India are navigating US sanctions to secure affordable crude supplies.

India’s On-Again, Off-Again Trade with Venezuela

India, the world’s third-largest oil consumer, historically relied on Venezuela for a portion of its imports—about 6% before 2019. That year, stringent US secondary sanctions forced India and other nations to halt Venezuelan crude purchases. While imports briefly resumed after a partial easing of sanctions in 2023-24, renewed US restrictions in May 2025 slashed India’s share of Venezuelan oil to a mere 0.3% by early 2026.

This historical context makes Trump’s claim significant. A formal India Venezuela oil deal would mark a major policy shift, providing India with a alternative source amid Western pressure to reduce dependence on Russian oil.

Reliance Industries Leads Charge for US Approval

Adding commercial weight to the political statement, Indian refining giant Reliance Industries has reportedly initiated talks with US authorities. The company is seeking a license to resume importing Venezuelan crude to its vast Jamnagar refinery complex.

Motivation: The move is driven by the dual need to diversify away from Russian oil and secure cost-effective feedstock for its 1.4 million-barrel-per-day refinery.

Previous Trade: Reliance last received a Venezuelan shipment in May 2025, averaging 63,000 barrels per day, before US license suspensions halted the trade.

Current Efforts: Sources indicate Reliance representatives are actively engaged with both the US State and Treasury Departments to obtain the necessary approvals.

This behind-the-scenes corporate diplomacy underscores the real-world business interests aligning with Trump’s political pronouncements.

Global Implications and Market Stability

The potential reopening of Venezuelan oil to a major buyer like India carries wider implications:

For Venezuela: Access to the Indian market would provide a crucial economic lifeline, though proceeds would remain tightly controlled under US oversight. Trump recently claimed Venezuela would hand over 30-50 million barrels to the US, with sales proceeds managed “for the benefit” of both nations.

For Global Oil Flow: While Venezuela holds the world’s largest reserves, its current global supply contribution is minimal. Redirecting even a small volume to a large consumer can impact trade patterns and pricing in regional markets.

For India: Securing Venezuelan crude would enhance energy supply diversity. However, analysts caution any deal requires careful navigation of the complex US sanctions framework to avoid financial repercussions.

The Road Ahead

While Trump’s announcement suggests a finalized India Venezuela oil deal, implementation hinges on formal US approvals and official confirmation from New Delhi. The proactive steps by Reliance Industries indicate serious commercial intent. For now, the global energy market watches closely, as the intersection of geopolitics, sanctions policy, and corporate strategy continues to dictate the flow of the world’s most crucial commodity.