India's LPG Tankers Navigate Hormuz Strait Amid Tensions
In a significant development, two Indian LPG tankers have successfully passed through the Hormuz Strait, following Iran's recent decision to allow vessels from friendly nations to transit. This move comes amidst ongoing tensions in the region, with several other Indian tankers still awaiting passage. The situation highlights India's reliance on energy imports and the strategic importance of the Hormuz Strait for global oil transport. As the conflict continues, the approval for Indian vessels marks a crucial moment for New Delhi's energy security.
| Mar 28, 2026, 19:56 IST
Indian Tankers Pass Through Hormuz Strait
Following Iran's announcement allowing India and four other 'friendly nations' to transit their vessels through the Hormuz Strait amidst ongoing conflicts, two LPG tankers heading to India successfully navigated this sensitive waterway on Saturday. Recent shipping data indicates that the tankers, BW ELM and BW TYR, traversed the high-risk corridor, which has been effectively closed since the onset of hostilities, and are now en route to the Gulf of Oman. These Indian-flagged tankers, carrying over 90,000 tons of LPG (cooking gas), passed each other at a speed of approximately 27 km/h as they exited the Gulf.
Currently, around five additional Indian tankers, primarily loaded with crude oil, remain anchored in waters near the United Arab Emirates, awaiting permission to pass through the strait, which is a crucial route for global oil transport, accounting for one-fifth of the total.
Status of Indian Vessels in the Gulf
In total, 20 Indian-flagged vessels are currently stranded in the Gulf. According to reports, India is also loading LPG onto empty vessels trapped in its waters. This development follows a statement from Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, clarifying Tehran's stance on one of the world's most vital oil transit routes, the Hormuz Strait. Araghchi mentioned that tankers from five friendly nations—China, Russia, India, Iraq, and Pakistan—would be granted safe passage, while vessels linked to hostile nations would continue to face blockades.
Since the conflict began a month ago, at least four Indian-flagged ships—Jag Vasant, Pine Gas, Shivalik, and Nanda Devi—have successfully crossed the strait.
Navigational Choices of Indian Tankers
Ship tracking data revealed that Jag Vasant and Pine Gas, both carrying over 90,000 tons of LPG, opted for an unusual route through the Hormuz Strait, situated between Iran's Larak and Qeshm islands, instead of taking a shorter path through the Arabian Sea. Experts suggest this decision may have been made to clarify their identity to Iranian authorities. Nevertheless, receiving approval from Iran for Indian-flagged vessels is a significant relief for New Delhi, which relies on imports for 90% of its energy needs.