LPG Tanker for India Navigates Strait of Hormuz Amid Supply Challenges

LPG Carrier on Its Way to India

New Delhi: An official announcement revealed that a tanker transporting liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) for India has successfully passed through the Strait of Hormuz and is en route to the nation.

The LPG carrier, MT Sarv Shakti, which flies the Marshall Islands flag, is carrying 46,313 tonnes of LPG and has a crew of 20, predominantly Indian nationals. It cleared this crucial maritime passage on May 2 and is anticipated to arrive in Visakhapatnam by May 13.

This shipment is significant as it can fulfill approximately half a day's LPG demand for the country, helping to alleviate supply shortages that have arisen due to the ongoing conflict in West Asia over the past two months.

Current ship-tracking data indicates that the vessel is located in the Oman Gulf as of Sunday evening.

The very large gas carrier has a history of transporting goods between the Persian Gulf and Indian ports and has been chartered by the state-owned Indian Oil Corporation (IOC).

Notably, Sarv Shakti is the first tanker associated with India to navigate through this conflict zone since the recent US blockade on vessels linked to Iran, which has drastically reduced maritime traffic through Hormuz.

Currently, there are 14 Indian-flagged or India-owned ships still waiting on the western side of the Strait of Hormuz.

Fortunately, no incidents involving Indian-flagged vessels have been reported in the last 24 hours. The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways is collaborating with the Ministry of External Affairs, Indian diplomatic missions, and maritime stakeholders to ensure the welfare of the crew and maintain smooth operations.

The Directorate General of Shipping (DG Shipping) control room has received 8,373 calls and over 17,965 emails since its activation, including 38 calls and 127 emails in the past day.

Additionally, India has successfully facilitated the repatriation of more than 2,953 seafarers, with 31 returning in the last day from various locations across the Gulf region.

Port operations throughout the country are functioning normally, with no reports of congestion.