Indian LPG Tankers Safely Exit Hormuz Strait Amid Tensions

Amid ongoing tensions in West Asia, Indian LPG tankers ‘Pine Gas’ and ‘Jag Vasant’ have safely crossed the Hormuz Strait near Iran and are continuing their journey. The central government released videos of the vessels confirming their safe passage.

Together, the two ships are carrying around 92,612 tonnes of cooking gas, sufficient to meet one day’s demand across India. The vessels passed through routes near Larak and Qeshm islands, with 33 Indian crew members on one ship and 22 on the other.

After entering international waters, the ships are expected to reach Indian shores between March 26 and 28. Earlier, tankers like ‘Shivalik’ and ‘Nandadevi’ had already reached safely, and the arrival of these vessels is expected to ease fuel supply concerns.

In view of the West Asia situation, India is taking steps to prevent any LPG shortage. Talks are ongoing with Iranian authorities to facilitate the movement of more tankers currently stationed in the Persian Gulf.

If successful, six more tankers could reach India, bringing an additional 3,00,000 tonnes of LPG. However, due to the lack of long-term security guarantees, India continues to depend on negotiations with Iran.

Delays in approvals are being attributed to internal conditions in Iran, where decisions are influenced by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). Despite this, Iranian authorities are reportedly cooperating and allowing neutral vessels to pass through the Hormuz Strait.