New Delhi, Mar 23: Two additional Indian-flagged LPG tankers, Pine Gas and Jag Vasant, have begun their voyage from the Persian Gulf and are expected to cross the conflict hit Strait of Hormuz before reaching Indian ports, according to ship tracking data. The vessels were sailing close to each other on Monday near Iran’s Larak and Qeshm islands, likely signaling their identity to Iranian authorities prior to transit.
These tankers are part of the 22 Indian-flagged ships stranded in the Persian Gulf after escalating hostilities in West Asia disrupted maritime traffic through the strategic Strait of Hormuz, which connects major oil and gas producing countries in the Gulf to the global market.
Earlier, MT Shivalik and MT Nanda Devi, carrying around 92,712 tonnes of LPG roughly India’s daily domestic consumption successfully reached Gujarat ports. In total, 28 Indian-flagged vessels were in the strait when the conflict broke out, with 24 on the western side and four on the eastern side. In recent days, two vessels from each side have been cleared to sail safely.
Other notable movements include the crude oil tanker Jag Laadki arriving at Mundra port on March 18 and Jag Prakash, carrying gasoline to Tanzania, successfully crossing the strait. Currently, 22 Indian vessels remain on the west side of the strait, carrying 611 seafarers, while two are on the east side.
Of the remaining six LPG carriers, two are en route to India, while the others, along with LNG, crude oil, chemical, container, and bulk carriers, are awaiting clearance or undergoing maintenance. Analysts suggest that Iran is allowing transit only after careful verification to confirm ownership and cargo legitimacy.
India depends heavily on the Strait of Hormuz for energy imports, with 88% of crude oil, 50% of natural gas, and 60% of LPG coming through the region. While crude oil imports have been partially rerouted to countries like Russia, West Africa, the US, and Latin America, supplies of LPG and gas for industrial and commercial use have faced significant disruptions.