India-bound LPG tankers breach Hormuz bottleneck amid war disruptions
Bengaluru— Two India-bound liquefied petroleum gas tankers carrying about 94,000 metric tons of fuel have safely transited the Strait of Hormuz and are en route to Indian ports, the government said on Sunday, offering a limited reprieve to energy flows disrupted by the ongoing U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran.
The vessels, BW Tyr and BW Elm, are expected to arrive in Mumbai on March 31 and New Mangalore on April 1, respectively, according to a statement from the petroleum ministry.The transit comes as shipping through the strategic chokepoint has been severely curtailed by the conflict, with Iran allowing passage only to what it has described as “non-hostile vessels” that coordinate with its authorities.
The two tankers are among a small number of Indian-flagged vessels to successfully navigate the strait in recent days. Four LPG carriers have already completed the crossing, while three more remain in the western section of the waterway, according to ship tracking data.
A total of 18 Indian-flagged vessels with 485 Indian seafarers are still in the western Gulf region, the government said, underscoring continued exposure to maritime risks in the area.Energy dependence in focusIndia, the world’s second-largest importer of LPG, consumed 33.15 million tons of the fuel last year, with imports meeting roughly 60% of demand.
About 90% of these imports originate from the Middle East, making the Strait of Hormuz a critical artery for the country’s energy security.
Despite disruptions in maritime traffic, port operations across India remain normal with no congestion reported, the government added.
