Indian Tankers Navigate Strait of Hormuz Amidst Rising Tensions
New Delhi – Two Indian-flagged LPG tankers, Jag Vasant and Pine Gas, successfully transited the Strait of Hormuz on Monday evening, carrying approximately 92,600 tonnes of cooking gas. The vessels are expected to reach their destination ports between Thursday and Saturday, according to the Indian Ministry of Shipping .
Recent Transits and Government Focus
This transit brings the total number of Indian-flagged vessels to have safely navigated the conflict-affected waterway to four since the beginning of the US-Israel-Iran conflict on February 28th. Last week, the LPG tankers Shivalik and Nanda Devi successfully docked at Mundra and Kandla ports in Gujarat . Indian authorities are prioritizing the safe passage of the remaining 20 Indian-flagged ships and their crews located west of the Strait of Hormuz .
Route and Charter Details
Ship tracking data indicates that both Jag Vasant and Pine Gas navigated between Iran’s Larak and Qeshm islands, potentially to identify themselves to Iranian authorities before crossing the Strait . One LNG ship is chartered by Petronet Ltd, while seven LPG carriers are contracted by BPCL & HPCL. Crude tankers have been chartered by IOC, Reliance Industries, and BGN International .
Increased LPG Imports
Including the arrival of the US-based LPG tanker Pyxis Pioneer on Sunday, the total imported LNG is expected to exceed 2.9 lakh tonnes with the arrival of Jag Vasant and Pine Gas .
Crew Welfare and Regional Concerns
Rajesh Kumar Sinha, Special Secretary in the Shipping Ministry, confirmed that Indian crews onboard the vessels are not experiencing shortages of food or water . Approximately 500 tanker vessels remain within the Persian Gulf . Reports suggest Iran is selectively permitting ships to pass, a claim the Iranian embassy in India has refuted as “unfounded” .
India relies heavily on imports for its energy needs, sourcing approximately 88% of its crude oil, 50% of its natural gas, and 60% of its LPG through the Strait of Hormuz .