Two India-Bound LPG Tankers Cross Strait of Hormuz, Headed to Mumbai, Mangalore

Two Indian-flagged LPG carriers, carrying nearly a day’s supply of the country’s cooking gas, have safely navigated the conflict-hit Strait of Hormuz and are expected to arrive in India in the coming days. In a statement, the Petroleum Ministry said the vessels, BW TYR and BW ELM, are transporting a combined cargo of around 94,000 tonnes of LPG. BW TYR is scheduled to reach Mumbai on March 31, while BW ELM is expected to arrive at New Mangalore on April 1.These ships are among the latest Indian-flagged vessels to successfully cross the strategic chokepoint. According to ship-tracking data, four such tankers have already completed the transit, while three others remain in the western section of the strait.Despite disruptions caused by the ongoing

US-Israel conflict with Iran, Tehran has allowed “non-hostile” vessels to pass through the strait, provided they coordinate with Iranian authorities.

Earlier Crossings Boost Supply

In recent days, four other Indian-flagged LPG tankers have also reached safety. Pine Gas and Jag Vasant, carrying over 92,600 tonnes of LPG, docked at Indian ports between March 26 and March 28. Earlier, MT Shivalik and MT Nanda Devi, with nearly 92,700 tonnes of LPG, arrived at Mundra and Kandla ports on March 16 and 17, respectively.Additionally, the oil tanker Jag Laadki, carrying over 80,000 tonnes of crude from the UAE, reached Mundra on March 18, while Jag Prakash, transporting gasoline from Oman to Africa, has also safely crossed the strait.

Supply Relief Amid Shortage

For India, which depends on imports for nearly 60% of its LPG demand, these shipments offer critical relief amid one of the worst cooking gas shortages in decades. The country consumed 33.15 million tonnes of LPG last year, with around 90% of imports sourced from West Asia.With Hormuz effectively constrained, India has also begun sourcing LPG from alternative suppliers such as the US and Argentina.

Vessels Still in Region, Monitoring Intensifies

At present, three LPG carriers, Jag Vikram, Green Asha and Green Sanvi, remain in the western Strait of Hormuz, while another empty vessel is being loaded.When the conflict began, 28 Indian-flagged ships were in the region. Since then, eight vessels have managed to move to safety.The Directorate General of Shipping said its control room is operating round-the-clock, handling thousands of distress calls and emails while facilitating the safe return of over 942 Indian seafarers so far.Meanwhile, port operations across India remain normal, with no congestion reported, authorities said.