Two Indian LPG tankers safely cross Strait of Hormuz, set to reach India soon

Mangalore Today News Network

New Delhi, Mar 24, 2026: The Central government on Monday announced that two more Indian-flagged LPG tankers have safely crossed the conflict-hit Strait of Hormuz and are expected to reach Indian shores within the next two days.

The LPG carriers Pine Gas and Jag Vasant, sailing in close proximity, departed the Persian Gulf on Monday morning and successfully navigated the strategic waterway. The vessels are transporting approximately 92,000 tonnes of LPG, according to Rajesh Kumar Sinha, Special Secretary in the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways.

Ship-tracking data indicated that the tankers passed through waters between Iran’s Larak Island and Qeshm Island, likely to establish their identity with Iranian authorities before transiting the strait.

The vessels were among 22 Indian-flagged ships that had been stranded in the Persian Gulf amid escalating tensions in West Asia, which had nearly disrupted movement through the narrow maritime corridor connecting major oil and gas-producing nations to global markets.

Earlier, tankers MT Shivalik and MT Nanda Devi, carrying about 92,712 tonnes of LPG—equivalent to roughly a day’s cooking gas consumption in India—had already reached Indian ports safely.

Sinha stated that the government’s priority remains ensuring the safe passage of all stranded vessels, while also safeguarding the welfare of Indian crew members. He added that there were no shortages of food or drinking water for seafarers onboard Indian ships or for Indian nationals on other vessels in the region.

Overall, nearly 500 tanker vessels remain stationed in the Persian (Arabian) Gulf, including crude oil, oil product, and chemical carriers. Reports suggest that Iran may permit selected ships to pass through the strait after a verification process confirming vessel ownership, cargo, and origin.

Earlier, Iran had indicated restrictions on ships linked to hostile nations transiting the Strait of Hormuz.