Two Indian-flagged LPG tankers have safely crossed the Strait of Hormuz after Iran said it granted passage for some Indian vessels amid a broader restriction on traffic through the channel. The disruption has worsened a cooking-gas shortage in India, prompting New Delhi to invoke emergency powers, order refiners to boost LPG output and curb industrial sales to protect around 333 million households. Tehran has not confirmed how many ships received exemptions, and diplomatic talks between India and Iran have continued to secure energy transit.
India Secures Safe Passage for Two LPG Tankers Through Strait of Hormuz After Iran Grants Exemptions
The move comes as the war in Iran prompts a critical shortage of cooking gas in India [Firdous Nazir/NurPhoto via Getty Images]
Two Indian-flagged tankers carrying liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) have safely transited the Strait of Hormuz after Tehran said it allowed some Indian vessels passage amid a wider disruption of traffic through the strategic waterway.
Official Statements
"They crossed the Strait of Hormuz early morning safely and are en route to India," Rajesh Kumar Sinha, Special Secretary at the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, told reporters in New Delhi on Saturday. Iran's ambassador to India, Mohammad Fathali, also said Tehran made a rare exception to allow some Indian ships to pass, though he did not confirm how many vessels were granted safe passage.
Why It Matters
The Strait of Hormuz is a vital chokepoint that normally carries roughly 20% of global oil and seaborne liquefied natural gas (LNG). Tehran has largely restricted traffic through the channel following an attack late last month involving the United States and Israel, a move that has disrupted global energy flows and contributed to shortages in some markets.
Impact On India
The disruption has intensified an already acute cooking-gas shortage in India, a country with longstanding energy ties to Iran. To blunt the impact, New Delhi has invoked emergency powers directing refiners to maximise LPG production and ordered cuts in industrial LPG sales to prioritise supply for households.
Policy Measures
Last week the government instructed refiners to ramp up LPG output and reprioritised domestic supply to protect about 333 million homes with LPG connections. Authorities have urged consumers not to panic-buy and to shift to piped natural gas (PNG) where available.
On Saturday the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas announced an amended supply order that bars consumers with PNG connections from retaining, obtaining or refilling domestic LPG cylinders. The amendment also prevents government oil companies from providing LPG connections or refills to households that already have PNG service.
Diplomatic Talks
Prime Minister Narendra Modi said he had spoken with Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian to discuss the transit of goods and energy from the Gulf. While Tehran says it will not permit supplies destined for the United States or its allies to transit the strait, India has sought and apparently received exemptions for some shipments.
Bottom line: The safe transit of the two LPG tankers offers temporary relief for India’s domestic fuel supply, but uncertainty remains as Iran keeps the Strait of Hormuz largely restricted and has not provided full details of the exemptions.
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