India’s seventh LPG tanker, the Green Sanvi, successfully transited the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz on Friday, providing some relief to India’s energy supply chain amid growing fears of shortages, the Times of India reported.
So far, six tankers carrying liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) have crossed the key shipping route as hostilities between the US and Iran escalated, effectively closing the strait.
LPG tankers including Shivalik, Nanda Devi, Jag Vasant, Pine Gas, BW Elm and BW Tyr crossed the critical path. All these transits took place under close coordination with Iranian authorities, the Indian Express reported.
Another 17 LPG vessels now remain stranded in the west of the strait, including two Green Asha and Jag Vikram, which are also expected to head to India soon, the report said, citing people aware of the development.
Meanwhile, three other LPG carriers are currently sailing northeast of Abu Musa Island in the Persian Gulf as they follow Indian Navy instructions and also await orders to transit through the Strait of Hormuz.
How much LPG does Green Sanvi carry?
The tanker Green Sanvi moved east of the strait on Friday evening and passed through the corridor in Iranian territorial waters. According to an Indian Express report, it carried around 44,000 tonnes of LPG, roughly half a day’s consumption of India before the conflict.
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Demand has since eased, although supply constraints, triggered by ongoing geopolitical tensions, remain. India imports nearly 60% of its LPG and half of its natural gas needs, with the Middle East supplying the bulk of these fuels. Now that up to 90% of LPG imports are cut off, the pressure on the nation has become real and imminent.
Tankers plying the route take precautions such as reporting their identity and nationality to avoid misidentification. Following in the footsteps of other Indian vessels, the Green Sanvi also avoided the central shipping lane and instead took a longer route between Iran’s Larak and Qeshm islands, according to the report.
Enemy nations may pass through the strait: Iran
Meanwhile, Iran has announced that “hostile” states, including India, can continue to pass through the Strait of Hormuz provided certain rules are followed, according to a statement issued to the International Maritime Organization.
Ships must comply with security protocols and coordinate with Iranian authorities. At the same time, ships linked to the United States and its allies continue to face restrictions, the media reported.
Tensions between Washington and Tehran escalated further after Iran rejected a proposed 48-hour ceasefire, which was reportedly brokered by countries including Pakistan. In recent developments, Iranian forces shot down two US fighter jets while traffic through the Strait of Hormuz remains restricted as the conflict enters its fifth week.
