Two LPG tankers cross Strait of Hormuz to reach Indian shores from UAE

Two Indian-flagged gas tankers carrying liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) have safely reached India from the UAE after crossing the Strait of Hormuz, a critical maritime energy chokepoint that has been restricted by Iran to most countries, with limited passage allowed to a few, including India, amid its conflict with Israel and the US.

The LPG carrier BW TYR arrived at Mumbai anchorage late on March 31, having departed from Ras Al Khaimah port in the UAE. The vessel completed the journey in six days and is carrying gas for Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL).

Another tanker, BW ELM, also crossed the Strait of Hormuz and reached near New Mangalore on April 1 at noon. This vessel is transporting gas for Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL).

BW TYR has 27 Indian seafarers on board and is carrying 23,653 metric tonnes of propane and 22,926 metric tonnes of butane. BW ELM has 28 Indian seafarers on board and is loaded with 23,860 metric tonnes of propane and 23,139 metric tonnes of butane.

So far, eight Indian-flagged vessels have safely transited the strait. This was confirmed by Rajesh Kumar Sinha, Special Secretary in the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, during a media briefing on recent developments in West Asia on March 30. Of the eight vessels, two tankers, carrying a combined LPG cargo of approximately 94,000 tonnes, have reached Indian shores.

At the press briefing, Sinha added that the government continues to monitor the situation closely, focusing on the safety of Indian seafarers, vessel movements and port operations amid the ongoing conflict in West Asia.

Currently, at least 10 foreign-flagged ships carrying energy supplies to India are stranded in the Persian Gulf. Additionally, 18 Indian-flagged vessels carrying LPG, crude oil, and LNG remain anchored west of the Strait of Hormuz, which has been significantly affected by the regional conflict.

The first crude shipment to reach India via the affected Strait of Hormuz arrived on March 12, after New Delhi’s Middle East diplomacy secured safe passage for its oil tankers following talks between External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and his Iranian counterpart Abbas Araghchi.

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