US LPG cargo ship from Texas reaches Mangaluru amid global energy crunch

Amid ongoing supply constraints caused by the war in the Middle East, a significant LPG cargo from the United States arrived at the New Mangalore Port on Sunday. The vessel, “Pyxis Pioneer” , which departed from the Port of Nederland in Texas on February 14, carried 16,714 metric tonnes of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) destined for Aegis Logistics , officials confirmed.

The cargo is expected to strengthen domestic LPG supplies for both industrial and household consumption, particularly as the global market grapples with disruptions in Middle Eastern exports. LPG, widely used for cooking, heating, and industrial purposes, has seen increasing demand, making such shipments crucial for stabilising supply and prices in India.

The arrival comes just a day after the Russian crude tanker “Aqua Titan” reached Mangaluru, highlighting the port’s growing role as a strategic hub for energy imports. The Russian vessel, originally en route to China, was diverted to India and arrived off the Mangaluru coast on Saturday evening with 7.7 lakh barrels of crude oil , now being unloaded through an offshore pipeline linked to the Mangalore Refinery and Petrochemicals Ltd (MRPL), situated 12 nautical miles from the shore.

This development is particularly noteworthy as Mangaluru hosts India’s largest underground LPG storage facility , operational since September 2025. Situated 225 metres below sea level , the facility has a capacity of 80,000 metric tonnes , making it a crucial buffer amid global supply uncertainties.

Officials say the timely arrivals of both LPG and crude shipments reflect India’s growing strategic planning in energy logistics and underline the importance of Mangaluru as a key maritime and storage hub in the region. The US LPG cargo , in particular, ensures a steady supply for domestic households and industries, helping cushion the country from potential shortages during the ongoing geopolitical crisis.