Indian LPG Tankers Safely Cross Strait of Hormuz, Set to Reach Ports Soon

Two Indian-Flagged LPG Carriers Head Towards Mumbai and New Mangalore​

New Delhi, March 29
Two Indian-flagged LPG tankers carrying nearly a day’s supply of cooking gas have successfully navigated the conflict-affected Strait of Hormuz and are now en route to India, according to an official statement.

The vessels, BW TYR and BW ELM, are transporting a combined cargo of approximately 94,000 tonnes of LPG. BW TYR is expected to arrive in Mumbai on March 31, while BW ELM is scheduled to reach New Mangalore on April 1.

Strait of Hormuz Sees Limited Movement Amid Ongoing Conflict​

Shipping activity through the Strait of Hormuz has been severely impacted following military actions involving the US, Israel, and Iran, along with Tehran’s retaliation. The narrow waterway is a critical route for global oil and gas supplies.

Despite the disruption, Iran recently indicated that non-hostile vessels may pass through the strait after coordination with its authorities, allowing some shipments to resume.

Earlier LPG Shipments Successfully Reached India​

The latest movement follows the safe arrival of four Indian-flagged LPG carriers in recent days. Pine Gas and Jag Vasant, carrying 92,612 tonnes of LPG, reached Indian ports between March 26 and March 28.

Earlier, MT Shivalik and MT Nanda Devi delivered about 92,712 tonnes of LPG to Mundra and Kandla ports on March 16 and March 17, respectively.

Imports Critical as India Faces LPG Supply Pressure​

India depends heavily on imports to meet its cooking gas requirements, with around 60 percent of demand sourced from overseas. The country consumed 33.15 million tonnes of LPG last year, with nearly 90 percent of imports coming from West Asia.

With disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, India has started sourcing LPG from alternative suppliers such as the United States and Argentina to maintain supply levels.

Indian Vessels and Seafarers Continue Operations in the Region​

A total of 18 Indian-flagged vessels with 485 Indian seafarers remain in the western Persian Gulf region. At the onset of the conflict, 28 Indian vessels were present in the Strait of Hormuz area.

In recent days, eight vessels have moved to safer locations, including six from the western side and two from the eastern side of the strait.

Among other movements, the oil tanker Jag Laadki, carrying 80,886 tonnes of crude oil from the UAE, reached Mundra on March 18. Another vessel, Jag Prakash, transporting gasoline from Oman to Africa, has safely crossed the strait and is currently heading towards Tanzania.

Three LPG carriers, Jag Vikram, Green Asha, and Green Sanvi, remain in the western Strait of Hormuz, while one empty vessel is currently being loaded with LPG.

Maritime Operations and Seafarer Support Continue Uninterrupted​

The Directorate General of Shipping control room is functioning round the clock to monitor the situation. Since activation, it has handled 4,523 calls and 8,985 emails, including 92 calls and 120 emails in the last 24 hours.

Authorities have also facilitated the safe return of more than 942 Indian seafarers so far, including four in the past day.

Meanwhile, port operations across India remain normal, with no congestion reported. Maritime boards across coastal states have confirmed smooth functioning of all port activities.