New Delhi, March 29, KNT: Two India-bound liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) tankers carrying about 94,000 metric tons of cooking gas have safely transited the Strait of Hormuz and are heading towards Indian ports, the government said on Sunday.
The vessels, BW Tyr and BW Elm, are expected to arrive at Mumbai on March 31 and New Mangalore on April 1 respectively, according to a statement from the petroleum ministry.
The development comes amid heightened tensions in the region following the ongoing U.S.-Israeli war against Iran, which has significantly disrupted shipping through the strategic Strait of Hormuz.
The safe passage of the tankers is significant for India’s energy security, given the country’s heavy dependence on imports of LPG, particularly from the Middle East.
Iran has indicated that “non-hostile vessels” may be allowed to transit the strait, provided they coordinate with Iranian authorities, offering limited relief to shipping operations.
The two vessels are among the latest Indian-linked shipments to navigate the chokepoint. Government data showed that four LPG tankers have already completed the crossing, while three more remain in the western section of the strait.
According to official figures, a total of 18 Indian-flagged vessels with 485 Indian seafarers are currently in the western Gulf region.
India is the world’s second-largest importer of LPG, having consumed 33.15 million tonnes in the previous year. Imports account for about 60 percent of total demand, with nearly 90 percent sourced from the Middle East.
Despite the regional uncertainty, port operations across India remain normal, with no congestion reported, the government said.
Officials said they are closely monitoring developments in the Gulf region to ensure uninterrupted supply of essential energy resources. [KNT]
