New Delhi: Strait of Hormuz tensions continued to trouble India’s energy and trade supply lines on Monday, May 11, 2026, as three crude oil supertankers
reportedly exited the key Gulf chokepoint after switching off their transponders to avoid detection.
Reuters, citing data from Kpler and LSEG, reported that the vessels were carrying Iraqi and Emirati crude. The development came at a time when more than 40 India-bound vessels are still trapped in the Persian Gulf, including tankers carrying crude oil, LPG, LNG and fertilizer.
India watches Hormuz as oil, LPG and fertilizer cargoes remain stuck
The Strait of Hormuz has now been blocked for 70 days, since March 2, 2026, according to the Hormuz Strait monitor. That matters a lot for India.
India depends heavily on imported energy, and any long closure of this sea route can hit fuel prices, fertilizer supply and shipping schedules. The Economic Times reported that Indian officials said over 40 India-bound vessels remain trapped in the Persian Gulf. Nearly half of them carry energy products.
The Indian government has drawn up a priority list of 41 vessels for evacuation from the Gulf. This includes:
- 18 tankers carrying energy products
- 16 ships carrying fertilizer
- 7 vessels carrying other cargo
A total of 13 India-flagged ships are still stuck west of the Strait of Hormuz, according to the Indian government.
Three supertankers slip out, but risks remain
One of the tankers that exited the strait is carrying Basrah Medium crude and is heading to Vietnam, Reuters reported, citing Kpler and LSEG data. The report said this tanker had earlier made two failed attempts to leave the strait.
Another tanker, loaded with Upper Zakum crude from ADNOC, has already offloaded its cargo in Fujairah. The third tanker, also carrying Iraqi crude, is still in transit, with its destination not clear yet.
Kpler separately reported that 42 container ships are still stuck in the Strait of Hormuz, while nine have managed to exit. Two have been seized by Iranian authorities. That figure shows why shipping firms are still nervous, even if some vessels are moving out.
India-linked LPG vessel expected on May 13
For India, one key relief point is the MT Sarv Shakti, an LPG tanker chartered by Indian Oil Corporation. The vessel cleared the Strait of Hormuz on May 2 and is expected to reach Visakhapatnam on May 13.
This is seen as the first crossing of an India-linked LPG cargo since the U.S. blockade outside the Strait aimed at stopping Iranian oil exports.
Modi links crisis to import dependence
Amid high crude prices and supply stress, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday urged citizens to reduce pressure on India’s foreign exchange and energy use. Speaking in Hyderabad, he asked, “how can the nation progress if we depend on imports for everything”.
He also asked people to avoid non-essential gold purchases for one year, cut foreign tours, use public transport, car-pool, and adopt electric vehicles.
