Amidst rising geopolitical tensions, two ships flying the Indian flag are presently passing through the Strait of Hormuz with liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), which could mean that supply pressures in India are starting to ease.
Jag Vasant and Pine Gas, according to ship-tracking data, have been granted safe passage and are now making their way across the vital shipping route. Since LPG is still widely used as a cooking fuel in Indian households, these shipments are of strategic importance.
The ships set off early Monday morning from the coast of the United Arab Emirates, making their way along the Iranian shoreline close to Qeshm and Larak islands. Both ships, out of an abundance of caution, indicated Indian ownership rather than particular destinations as they navigated the dangerous zone.
With a full crossing of the Strait usually taking roughly 14 hours, the tankers are projected to reach the Gulf of Oman by sunset.
This new information comes as the Strait remains a source of uncertainty due to tensions stemming from recent military operations involving Israel, Iran, and the US. After discussions, Iran began to tighten its grip on marine transportation, allowing only certain ships, particularly those with ties to India, selective access.
Before the escalation, both ships had entered the Persian Gulf in late February and were kept there. From Kuwait, Jag Vasant loaded goods, and from Ruwais in the UAE, Pine Gas sourced LPG.
Their actions are in line with other Indian LPG tankers that have successfully transited earlier this month, demonstrating well-coordinated diplomatic and logistical measures to keep energy supply systems running smoothly.
As regional tensions rise, this section emphasises India’s attempts to guarantee gasoline supplies through the Strait of Hormuz and the vital role it plays in international energy trade.
