Two More Indian LPG Tankers Transit Strait of Hormuz

Two More Indian LPG Tankers Transit Strait of Hormuz​

New Delhi, March 23 – Two Indian-flagged LPG tankers, Pine Gas and Jag Vasant, have resumed their journeys from the Persian Gulf, ship tracking data indicates. The vessels are expected to cross the war-affected Strait of Hormuz before heading to Indian ports.

Vessels Navigate Tensions​

The LPG tankers, sailing in close proximity on Monday afternoon, were located near the waters between Iran's Larak and Qeshm islands. This positioning likely aimed to clarify their identity to Iranian authorities prior to traversing the Strait.

Recent Arrivals and Stranded Vessels​

Previously, MT Shivalik and MT Nanda Devi, carrying approximately 92,712 tonnes of LPG – roughly a day's cooking gas consumption for the country – had safely reached Indian shores.

Initially, 28 Indian-flagged vessels were stranded in the Persian Gulf following the conflict in West Asia, which nearly closed the Strait of Hormuz. Twenty-four vessels were on the West side of the strait, and four were on the East side. In recent days, two vessels have safely navigated from each side.

Safe Passage for Oil Tankers​

The LPG carrier Shivalik arrived in Mundra, Gujarat, on March 16, while the Nanda Devi reached Kandla port in Gujarat the following day. Two LPG carriers began their journeys on March 13, successfully crossing the Strait of Hormuz early on March 14.

The Indian-flagged oil tanker Jag Laadki, transporting 80,886 tonnes of crude oil from the UAE, arrived in Mundra on March 18. Additionally, Jag Prakash, carrying gasoline from Oman to Africa, has safely crossed the strait and is en route to Tanzania.

Remaining Vessels and Seafarers​

Currently, 24 Indian-flagged vessels remain in the war zone, with 22 on the West side and 611 seafarers onboard, and two on the East side.

Six of the 22 remaining vessels on the West side are LPG carriers, with two having already departed for India. The remaining vessels include one LNG tanker, four crude oil tankers, one transporting chemical products, three container ships, and two bulk carriers. Additionally, one vessel is a dredger, another is empty, and three are in dry dock undergoing routine maintenance.

Broader Gulf Confinement​

Approximately 500 tanker vessels remain confined within the Persian (Arabian) Gulf, including 108 crude oil tankers, 166 oil product tankers, 104 chemical/product tankers, 52 chemical tankers, and 53 other tanker types.

Verification Process​

Analysts suggest Iran may be permitting select vessels to transit the strait after verification. Some vessels have transited through the Strait with a short diversion via the Larak-Qeshm Channel, seemingly as part of a verification process to confirm ownership, cargo, and vessel status.

India’s Energy Dependence​

India imports approximately 88 per cent of its crude oil, 50 per cent of its natural gas, and 60 per cent of its LPG. Prior to the conflict, more than half of India’s crude oil imports originated from countries like Saudi Arabia, Iraq, and the UAE, which utilize the Strait for shipping.

Approximately 85-95 per cent of LPG and 30 per cent of gas supplies passed through the Strait. While disruption in crude oil has been partially offset by alternative sources such as Russia, West Africa, the US, and Latin America, gas and LPG supplies to industrial and commercial users have been curtailed.