2 Indian LPG tankers sail through Strait of Hormuz

Gulf nations including Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates have seen ‌exports blocked since the war in Iran ​began on February 28 and Tehran launched attacks on ships and threatened any passing through the Gulf’s southern strait.

New Delhi: The Central government on Monday said two more Indian-flagged LPG tankers had safely navigated through the war-hit Strait of Hormuz and were expected to reach Indian shores over the next two days.

LPG tankers Pine Gas and Jag Vasant, sailing close to each other, started from the Persian Gulf on Monday morning before crossing the strait. 

They are carrying about 92,000 tonnes of LPG, Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways Special Secretary Rajesh Kumar Sinha told reporters here.

The tankers sailed through waters between Iran's Larak and Qeshm islands, possibly to make their identity clear to Iranian authorities before crossing the strait, ship-tracking data showed.

The two ships were among the 22 Indian-flagged vessels stranded in the Persian Gulf after the West Asia conflict nearly closed the Strait of Hormuz — the narrow waterway between Iran and Oman that connects the oil and gas-producing Gulf countries to the rest of the world.

Previously, MT Shivalik and MT Nanda Devi, carrying about 92,712 tonnes of LPG — roughly a day's cooking gas consumption of the country — had safely reached Indian shores.

"Ultimately, we want to secure safe passage of all our vessels that are stranded in the region," said Sinha. "Till safe passage happens, the well-being and safety of our seafarers is our prime focus."

There were no issues with food or drinking-water availability for the crew onboard the Indian vessels as well as Indian sailors on other vessels, he added.

Overall, close to 500 tanker vessels remain confined within the Persian (Arabian) Gulf. These include 108 crude-oil tankers, 166 oil-product tankers, 104 chemical/product tankers, 52 chemical tankers, and 53 other types of tanker.

It was said that Iran might allow select vessels to transit the strait after the verification process, whereby Iran confirms the ownership, cargo, and vessel.

Earlier, Iran said it would not allow enemy countries' ships to pass through the Strait of Hormuz.