Indian LPG Tankers Navigate War-Torn Waters: What This Means for Gas Supply

In a significant development, two Indian-flagged LPG tankers have successfully crossed the conflict-ridden Strait of Hormuz, ensuring vital gas supplies for India. With 16 other vessels still stranded in the Persian Gulf, this safe passage is crucial for a country that relies heavily on imports for its cooking gas needs. The ongoing regional tensions have severely impacted shipping routes, but the successful transit of these tankers highlights the resilience of Indian maritime operations. As India grapples with its worst LPG shortage in decades, the arrival of these vessels is expected to alleviate some of the pressure on gas supplies. Read on to learn more about the implications of this maritime success.

By Narendra Chaudhary Apr 6, 2026, 18:50 IST

Safe Passage for Indian LPG Tankers

New Delhi: Two Indian-flagged LPG tankers have successfully navigated the conflict-ridden Strait of Hormuz and are now en route to Indian ports, despite 16 other vessels remaining stranded in the Persian Gulf, officials reported on Monday.

The LPG carrier Green Sanvi, loaded with 46,650 tonnes of LPG, is expected to arrive at an Indian port on April 7, while Green Asha, carrying 15,500 tonnes, is set to reach the Indian coast on April 9, according to Mukesh Mangal, Additional Secretary in the Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways.

"Indian maritime operations continue to be safe and uninterrupted amid the ongoing crisis in West Asia. Currently, 16 Indian-flagged vessels with 433 crew members are in the region; however, the two LPG carriers, Green Sanvi and Green Asha, have successfully crossed the Strait of Hormuz," he stated.

This marks the safe transit of eight Indian-flagged LPG tankers through this crucial waterway, which has faced significant disruptions since the US and Israel initiated attacks on Iran on February 28, prompting a strong response from Tehran.

Among the vessels still trapped in the Persian Gulf, one is a liquefied natural gas (LNG) carrier, two are LPG tankers (one loaded and one empty), six are crude oil carriers (five loaded and one empty), three are container ships, one is a dredger, one is transporting chemicals, and two are bulk carriers.

When questioned about reports suggesting Iran is charging fees for ships to pass through the strait, Mangal replied, "We have no information regarding such payments."

India, which depends on Gulf nations for approximately 60% of its cooking gas supply, is facing its most severe LPG shortage in decades. Last year, the country consumed 33.15 million tonnes of LPG, with imports fulfilling about 60% of this demand, predominantly sourced from West Asia.

The recent US-Israel military actions against Iran have severely impacted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a vital route for oil and gas exports from Gulf nations to global markets. Nevertheless, Iran has indicated that "non-hostile vessels" may pass through the strait after coordinating with its authorities.

In the previous week, two LPG carriers, BW TYR and BW ELM, successfully traversed the area, carrying a combined LPG load of around 94,000 tonnes. BW TYR arrived in Mumbai on March 31, while BW ELM docked at New Mangalore on April 1.

Earlier, four Indian-flagged LPG tankers had also made it through the strait. Pine Gas and Jag Vasant, which transported 92,612 tonnes of LPG, reached Indian ports between March 26 and March 28. MT Shivalik and MT Nanda Devi, carrying approximately 92,712 tonnes of LPG, arrived at Mundra port in Gujarat on March 16 and Kandla port on March 17, respectively.

Initially, 28 Indian-flagged vessels were present in the Strait of Hormuz when the conflict in West Asia escalated. Out of these, 24 were on the western side and four on the eastern side. Eight vessels from the west and two from the east have successfully reached safety.

In addition to the eight LPG tankers, the Indian-flagged oil tanker Jag Laadki, carrying 80,886 tonnes of crude oil from the UAE, arrived at Mundra on March 18.

Another tanker, Jag Prakash, transporting gasoline from Oman to Africa, has also successfully crossed the strait and is currently heading towards Tanzania.