Two Indian-flagged liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) tankers are gearing up to navigate the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz in the coming days, marking a significant development after a recent lull in maritime traffic through this crucial waterway. This preparation comes amid heightened regional tensions, with no crude oil tankers having passed through the strait in the last 24 hours, reflecting a cautious approach by shipping operators in the face of potential threats.
The Strait of Hormuz, a narrow passage linking the Persian Gulf to the Arabian Sea, is a critical chokepoint for global energy supplies, with approximately 20% of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas shipments passing through it daily. In recent weeks, hundreds of vessels have been forced to anchor offshore, awaiting safer conditions, following stern warnings from Tehran about potential attacks on ships attempting to exit the Gulf via this route. This has created a tense atmosphere for maritime trade and energy security in the region.
maritime tracking data and market assessments, the two Indian LPG tankers, named Pine Gas and Jag Vasant, are currently anchored near the United Arab Emirates port of Sharjah within Gulf waters. These vessels have recently signaled their intention to commence voyages through the Strait of Hormuz, as indicated by ship-tracking platforms. This move suggests a cautious resumption of navigation activities despite the ongoing geopolitical uncertainties.
When questioned about the status of these vessels, Rajesh Kumar Sinha, the special secretary of India’s federal shipping ministry, indicated that immediate information was not available, reflecting the sensitive nature of maritime operations in the region. However, a trade insider familiar with the situation suggested that the two LPG tankers might set sail as early as Saturday, signaling a potential easing of the recent maritime standstill.
India’s foreign ministry spokesperson, Randhir Jaiswal, emphasized the country’s commitment to ensuring the safe and unhindered movement of its fleet, which currently includes 22 vessels operating within the Gulf. He also highlighted that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is actively engaging with international leaders to secure the safe passage of Indian ships through this volatile corridor, underscoring the strategic importance India places on uninterrupted energy supplies.
It is noteworthy that the Jag Vasant tanker is chartered by Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL), while the Pine Gas is under the charter of Indian Oil Corporation (IOC), two of India’s leading refiners. Both companies have yet to provide official comments on the situation. The cautious resumption of voyages by these tankers reflects the delicate balance between maintaining energy imports and navigating the complex security environment in the Gulf region.
Meanwhile, separate data from Kpler revealed that no crude oil tankers have transited the Strait of Hormuz in the past day, with one empty crude oil tanker, previously subject to U.S. sanctions, reportedly returning towards Iranian waters on March 18. This highlights the ongoing disruptions and the cautious stance adopted by the global shipping industry amid escalating regional tensions.
As the situation evolves, the movements of Indian-flagged vessels through the Strait of Hormuz will remain a closely watched indicator of maritime security and energy trade stability in one of the world’s most sensitive and strategically important maritime corridors.
