New Delhi, March 23: Two Indian-flagged vessels carrying liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) are currently transiting the Strait of Hormuz, offering signs of easing supply pressures in India amid heightened geopolitical tensions.
Ship-tracking data indicates that the vessels — Jag Vasant and Pine Gas — are navigating the critical shipping corridor after receiving clearance for safe passage. LPG remains a key cooking fuel across Indian households, making these shipments strategically important.
The ships departed from the United Arab Emirates coast early Monday, sailing along Iran’s coastline near Qeshm Island and Larak Island. As a precaution, both vessels signalled Indian ownership rather than specific destinations while passing through the sensitive zone.
The tankers are expected to reach the Gulf of Oman by evening, with a full transit of the Strait typically taking around 14 hours.
The development comes amid continued disruptions in the Strait following tensions linked to recent military actions involving Iran, the United States, and Israel. Iran has since tightened control over maritime traffic, permitting selective passage after negotiations, including for Indian-linked vessels.
Both ships had entered the Persian Gulf in late February—before the escalation—and were subsequently held in the region. Jag Vasant loaded cargo from Kuwait, while Pine Gas sourced LPG from Ruwais in the UAE.
Their movement follows similar successful transits by other Indian LPG carriers earlier this month, reflecting calibrated diplomatic and logistical efforts to maintain energy supply chains.
The passage underscores the critical role of the Strait of Hormuz in global energy trade and highlights India’s efforts to secure fuel supplies amid evolving regional uncertainties.
