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Two Indian-flagged LPG tankers carrying roughly a day’s cooking gas requirement have safely transited the conflict-hit Strait of Hormuz, offering a measure of relief amid ongoing disruptions in the region.
The vessels, Pine Gas and Jag Vasant, departed from the Persian Gulf on Monday morning and successfully navigated the narrow and sensitive maritime corridor. They are expected to reach Indian ports between March 26 and 28, according to officials.
Together, the two tankers are carrying 92,612 tonnes of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), equivalent to nearly a day’s domestic consumption. The ships have 33 and 27 Indian seafarers onboard, respectively.
Strategic passage through tense waters
Ship tracking data showed that both vessels sailed close to each other and took a route between Iran’s Larak and Qeshm islands, a path believed to help establish identity clearance with Iranian authorities before crossing the strait.
Their successful transit comes amid heightened tensions following the West Asia conflict, which had nearly choked traffic through the vital shipping lane connecting Gulf energy producers to global markets.
The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world’s most critical energy corridors, handling a significant share of global oil and gas shipments.
Also read: Iran charges $2m fee for Hormuz passage: Report
Part of stranded fleet begins to move
The two ships were among 22 Indian-flagged vessels stranded in the Persian Gulf after the outbreak of hostilities. Their movement marks continued progress in efforts to secure safe passage for Indian shipping.
Earlier, LPG carriers MT Shivalik and MT Nanda Devi had successfully reached Indian ports in Gujarat, each carrying similar volumes of cooking gas.
With Pine Gas and Jag Vasant now crossing, the number of Indian vessels stranded on the western side of the strait is expected to reduce to 20.
Hundreds of seafarers still in region
Despite these developments, concerns remain for the safety of Indian crew members in the conflict zone. Around 600 Indian seafarers are still onboard vessels stranded across both sides of the strait.
Authorities said ensuring their well-being remains a top priority, adding that there are currently no shortages of food or drinking water onboard.
Efforts are ongoing to facilitate the safe exit of all remaining vessels and crew from the region.
The wider maritime situation remains strained, with nearly 500 tanker vessels still confined within the Persian Gulf. Analysts suggest Iran may be allowing selective passage after verifying vessel ownership and cargo.
India’s energy dependence on the region underscores the stakes. The country imports about 60 per cent of its LPG and a significant share of crude oil and gas through the Strait of Hormuz.
While alternative sourcing has partly offset crude oil disruptions, LPG and gas supplies continue to face constraints, particularly for industrial and commercial users.
For now, the safe passage of the two tankers offers cautious optimism, but the broader supply chain remains under pressure as the conflict continues.
