In a notable development amid escalating regional tensions, Iran has granted permission for two Indian-flagged liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) tankers to navigate through the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz. This move marks a rare exception to the Iranian blockade that has significantly disrupted global energy shipments in recent weeks. The Strait of Hormuz, a narrow waterway off Iran’s southern coast, is a critical maritime chokepoint through which approximately 20% of the world’s seaborne oil and liquefied natural gas typically passes.
The first of these vessels, the LPG tanker Shivalik, successfully crossed the strait under the protective escort of the Indian Navy, ensuring its safe transit through these volatile waters. The second tanker, named Nanda Devi, was anticipated to complete its passage within hours of Shivalik’s transit. Both ships are operated by the state-owned Shipping Corporation of India, underscoring the importance of this shipment to India’s energy security.
This development comes against the backdrop of heightened hostilities following a bombing campaign launched by the United States and Israel targeting Iranian interests. In retaliation, Tehran has largely suspended all maritime traffic through the strait, effectively imposing a blockade that has sent shockwaves through global energy markets. Iran has explicitly stated its refusal to allow any shipments destined for the United States or its allies to pass through the strait, though India has been actively seeking exemptions to maintain its energy imports.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently engaged in direct talks with Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian, focusing on the critical issue of ensuring uninterrupted transit of goods and energy resources from the Gulf region. India’s diplomatic efforts also extend to humanitarian grounds, as it has provided safe harbor to 183 Iranian sailors stranded on a vessel that docked in Indian waters following the outbreak of hostilities. This vessel was part of a trio that had participated in joint exercises with India, one of which was later sunk by a U.S. torpedo near Sri Lanka.
India is currently grappling with its most severe gas shortage in decades, prompting the government to ration supplies to industrial sectors in order to prioritize household consumption, particularly for cooking gas. The arrival of Shivalik and Nanda Devi is therefore a critical relief measure. Tracking data reveals that Shivalik had been in Qatari waters since February 25 and was last recorded on March 12 near the exclusive economic zone off the United Arab Emirates. Meanwhile, Nanda Devi was last spotted on Friday near the entrance of the Strait of Hormuz in Iranian waters, having previously called at Qatar’s Ras Laffan anchorage on February 27 before moving towards UAE waters.
In a related development, a crude oil tanker flagged under Liberia, the Smyrni, is scheduled to dock in India on Saturday carrying Saudi Arabian crude oil. This vessel, a suezmax tanker capable of transporting up to one million barrels, passed through the Strait of Hormuz around March 1 and is destined for Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL), one of India’s major state-owned refiners. This shipment is expected to provide some respite amid the ongoing energy supply challenges.
India’s reliance on imported cooking gas is substantial, with the country consuming 33.15 million metric tons last year. Approximately 60% of this demand is met through imports, with nearly 90% of those supplies originating from the Middle East. The current geopolitical tensions have left 24 Indian-flagged vessels stranded in the Gulf region beyond the narrow strait, further complicating the supply chain. Despite multiple attempts, India’s foreign ministry, navy, Shipping Corporation, and HPCL have not provided official comments on these developments.
This situation highlights the delicate balance India must maintain between securing its energy needs and navigating the complex geopolitical landscape of the Gulf. The recent clearance of these two LPG tankers through the Strait of Hormuz offers a glimmer of hope for easing the country’s gas crisis, while underscoring the ongoing challenges posed by regional conflicts and international sanctions.
