Indian tanker Jag Laadki docks at Mundra with 80,000 MT crude amid West Asia tensions

The Indian-flagged crude oil tanker Jag Laadki safely docked at Adani Ports’ Mundra facility in Gujarat on Wednesday, carrying around 80,886 metric tonnes (MT) of crude oil . The cargo was sourced from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and loaded at Fujairah Port , which recently faced drone and missile attacks amid the ongoing Israel-US and Iran conflict.

Measuring 274.19 metres in length with a 50.04-metre beam , the tanker has a deadweight tonnage of 164,716 tonnes and a gross tonnage of 84,735 tonnes . Its arrival highlights Mundra Port’s critical role in handling large-scale crude imports, vital for India’s refineries and overall energy security.

The tanker’s docking follows the safe arrival of two Indian LPG carriers – MT Shivalik and MT Nanda Devi – which crossed the Strait of Hormuz on March 13 and docked in India on March 16 and 17 with a combined cargo of 92,712 MT of LPG. These developments come amid escalating tensions in West Asia, which have disrupted energy flows in the region.

To safeguard its commercial interests, India continues a naval presence under Operation Sankalp , ensuring the protection of vital shipping lanes and the safe berthing of vessels like Jag Laadki . The Directorate General of Shipping (DG Shipping) is closely monitoring the situation in coordination with ship owners, licensing agencies, and Indian diplomatic missions in the region.

The Union Shipping Minister is actively overseeing maritime operations, while ports and shipping lines are taking measures to minimise operational disruptions , including concessions in anchorage, berth hire, and storage charges where required.

India imports nearly 88% of its crude oil, 50% of natural gas, and 60% of LPG , with a significant share coming from Middle East countries such as Saudi Arabia and the UAE . Following the conflict, India has partly offset crude supply disruptions through alternative sources, though gas supplies to industry and LPG availability to commercial establishments like hotels and restaurants have been affected.

The arrival of Jag Laadki and previous LPG shipments ensures the continuity of energy supplies, reinforcing India’s preparedness amid regional uncertainties and highlighting the strategic importance of its ports and maritime operations.