The Strait of Hormuz is a crucial passage linking oil and gas producers in the Persian Gulf to global markets. (AI image)
India’s immediate LPG crisis seems to be easing with tankers coming in and domestic production stepped up to meet needs. Two more Indian-flagged ships carrying liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) are currently transiting the Strait of Hormuz, according to ship-tracking data, following a route earlier used by vessels cleared by Iran that stays close to its coastline.The vessels, Jag Vasant and Pine Gas, both classified as very large gas carriers, moved northward from the UAE coast toward Iran’s Qeshm and Larak islands early on Monday, as per the data quoted in a Bloomberg report.
The Strait of Hormuz, a crucial passage linking oil and gas producers in the Persian Gulf to global markets, has been largely inaccessible since US and Israeli strikes began in late February. Since then, Iran has significantly restricted maritime traffic through a combination of attacks and warnings. Only a limited number of vessels, mainly those associated with Iran, China, and a few other countries including India that have negotiated safe passage, have been able to pass through.
Two More LPG Ships Headed to India
Instead of indicating a destination, both ships broadcast their Indian identity through transponders, a precaution also adopted by other vessels navigating the route. They are likely headed for India, which is grappling with an LPG supply disruption and has been engaging with Tehran to secure fuel supplies primarily used for cooking.Also Read | LPG crisis: Argentina emerges as key alternative supplier; shipments more than double in just first three months of 2026Earlier this month, two other Indian-flagged LPG carriers successfully completed the same passage.Crossing the Strait of Hormuz typically takes up to 14 hours. If Jag Vasant and Pine Gas maintain their current course without disruption, they are expected to enter the Gulf of Oman by Monday evening.Several vessels that have successfully crossed the Strait of Hormuz have followed a route hugging the Iranian coastline, indicating the presence of a traffic management system enforced by Tehran. Under normal conditions, ships exiting the Gulf would typically navigate closer to Oman. However, a vessel that attempted this conventional path earlier in the month was attacked.India’s two most recent LPG carriers were allowed safe passage after reaching an arrangement with Iran, and one of the tankers was escorted by the Iranian Navy, a senior officer on board told Bloomberg News.Ship-tracking data shows that Jag Vasant entered the Persian Gulf through the Strait of Hormuz on February 26 and loaded LPG from Kuwait just hours before hostilities began on February 28, after which it remained stranded. Pine Gas also entered the Gulf on the same day and took on its full cargo from Ruwais in the UAE.The movement of these two vessels, along with the earlier pair, is expected to provide some relief amid shortages. However, according to Shiv Samrat Kapur, managing director at the India arm of Sentosa Shipbrokers, the combined cargo of all four ships would meet only two to three days of India’s consumption.Also Read | Securing LPG, LNG, crude oil: India plans evacuation for ships near Strait of Hormuz – here’s what’s being considered“Iran is using the Strait as a tool of maritime diplomacy, forcing nations to choose between Western alignment and energy stability,” he said. “The transits have proven India’s capability to maintain neutral relationships during these times of geopolitical uncertainty.”
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In parallel, India has instructed ports to give priority to LPG carriers. Last week, the Deendayal Port Authority, commonly known as Kandla port, issued a notice directing agents to prioritise berthing for LPG vessels, according to a document reviewed by Bloomberg News. This followed a March 10 directive from the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways aimed at ensuring uninterrupted LPG supply to households across the country.
