War has broken out in the Middle East. There is also tension in the Strait of Hormuz. Amidst this situation, reports emerged that India and Iran were discussing imposing taxes on ships passing through this route. However, on Monday the Indian government completely denied these reports.
What did the government say?
Mukesh Mangal, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Shipping, clearly said that India has not discussed with Iran regarding imposing any duty on ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz. The government has no information about any such case. The news doing the rounds right now is completely baseless. In other words, the rumors that were spread had nothing to do with the ground reality.
16 Indian ships under surveillance
Mukesh Mangal also told that at present there are 16 Indian ships present in the west of the Strait of Hormuz, and the government is keeping an eye on their every moment activities. Two of these LPG carriers—*Green Sanwari* and *Green Asha*—have successfully transited the Strait of Hormuz and have now safely exited the area. *Green Sanwari* is expected to reach India on 7th April and *Green Asha* is expected to reach India on 9th April. These two ships together are carrying a total of 62,000 tonnes of LPG. This means that the supply of cooking gas will not be disrupted at present.
Will there be a gas shortage?
Sujata Sharma, Joint Secretary, Petroleum Ministry, admitted that although LPG imports have reduced slightly and domestic production is also limited, the government is still taking steps to meet the shortfall in supply. Imports from countries like the United States continue. He further informed that gas supply to fertilizer plants has been increased to 90 per cent of their requirement, and an additional 10 per cent of gas is being allocated to city gas distributors across the country. In short, the stoves in your homes will not go out.
More than 7 lakh Indians returned
Asim Mahajan, Additional Secretary, Ministry of External Affairs, said that since February 28, about 7,30,000 Indians have returned to their homes from the Middle East. Arrangements are also being made to help the people still stranded in this area. Qatar Airways is operating 8 to 10 flights to India on Monday, so that more and more people can reach their homes.