Indian LPG Carriers Pine Gas and Jag Vasant Safely Transit Strait of Hormuz Amid Regional Tensions
Vessels Carrying Over 92,000 Metric Tonnes of LPG Headed to Indian Ports
New Delhi, March 24: The government confirmed that two Indian LPG carriers, Pine Gas and Jag Vasant, have successfully crossed the Strait of Hormuz and are currently en route to India, ensuring continuity in fuel supplies amid ongoing geopolitical tensions in West Asia.Rajesh Kumar Sinha, Special Secretary in the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, stated during an inter-ministerial briefing that Pine Gas is scheduled to reach New Mangalore port on March 27 with a cargo of 45,000 metric tonnes of LPG.
Jag Vasant, carrying 47,600 metric tonnes of LPG, is expected to arrive at Kandla port on March 26. Sinha also noted that 20 Indian-flagged vessels remain positioned to the west of the Strait of Hormuz.
Safe Passage Through Strategic Global Energy Route
According to ship-tracking data, both vessels had entered the strategically critical Strait of Hormuz after receiving clearance for safe passage. The transit through the Strait typically takes around 14 hours.The movement of these vessels comes at a time when the Strait of Hormuz, a vital global corridor for oil and gas shipments, has been impacted by rising tensions following US and Israeli strikes in the region in late February.
Jag Vasant had loaded LPG cargo from Kuwait, while Pine Gas sourced its shipment from Ruwais in the United Arab Emirates. Both vessels had been delayed in the region due to the prevailing geopolitical situation before resuming their journey.
Earlier in the month, two other Indian LPG carriers had also successfully completed similar transits through the Strait.
Government Push for Energy Security and Maritime Self-Reliance
Amid the evolving situation, Prime Minister Narendra Modi reiterated the government's focus on insulating India from global energy disruptions. Addressing the Rajya Sabha on the West Asia crisis, he highlighted the importance of strengthening domestic capabilities in fuel transportation and maritime infrastructure.He emphasized that Atmanirbharta remains central to reducing vulnerability to global shocks, noting that nearly 90 percent of India’s trade is currently dependent on foreign shipping.
The Prime Minister also stated that the government is advancing plans to develop Made in India ships with an investment target of Rs 70,000 crore, aimed at enhancing self-reliance in maritime logistics and safeguarding energy supply routes.
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