Indian LPG Tankers Safely Navigate Strait of Hormuz Amid Tensions

Tankers' Safe Crossing Amid Regional Tensions

Rajesh Kumar Sinha, Special Secretary at the Ministry of Shipping and Waterways, shared this update during an inter-ministerial briefing on Friday.
“Of the 24 vessels with an Indian-flag operating in the Persian Gulf , LPG carriers Shivalik and Nanda Devi crossed the Strait of Hormuz early this morning safely and are headed to India,” Sinha said.

Key Diplomatic Talks Secure Passage for Ships

This significant passage follows high-profile diplomatic discussions between New Delhi and Tehran . Since the crisis began in late February, India's External Affairs Minister, S. Jaishankar, has engaged in four rounds of talks with his Iranian counterpart, Seyed Abbas Araghchi.
Additionally, Prime Minister Narendra Modi held important discussions with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on Thursday, aimed at ensuring the safe passage of Indian vessels.

Indian Tanker Jag Prakash Sails East of Strait

The ships are transporting around 92,700 metric tons of gas. Their successful crossing comes on the heels of another vessel that recently made its way through the busy sea lane between Iran and Oman.
In the press release, Rajesh Kumar Sinha mentioned that the Jag Prakash, another Indian-flagged tanker carrying petrol from Oman to Africa, is currently sailing from the east of the Strait.

Strait of Hormuz: Vital Route for Global Oil

The Strait of Hormuz is a vital global shipping route, responsible for nearly one-fifth of the world's oil supply. However, shipping activities have been heavily impacted by recent attacks by the US and Israel on Iran, which occurred on February 28, followed by counter-attacks from Tehran on its oil-exporting neighbors.
This conflict has led to a serious shortage of cooking gas in India, a country that has long relied on Iranian supplies. Approximately 20 percent of global oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG) is transported through the Strait of Hormuz.
Iran has stated that it will not allow any supplies for the United States or its allies to pass through the strait, but India has sought exemptions for its vessels.