37 Indian Ships Stranded Near Strait of Hormuz, ₹10,000-Crore Assets at Risk Amid West Asia Conflict
The ongoing geopolitical tensions involving the United States, Israel and Iran have begun to affect maritime trade in the Gulf region, with dozens of Indian vessels reportedly stranded near the strategically important Strait of Hormuz.
According to reports, nearly 37 Indian-flagged ships are currently stuck in the area, placing shipping assets worth more than ₹10,000 crore at potential risk due to escalating security threats.
Many of these vessels are oil and gas carriers transporting crude oil and liquefied petroleum gas to Indian ports.
Shipowners Seek Government Intervention
The Indian National Shipowners’ Association (INSA) has reportedly written to India’s Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways requesting urgent government action to address the situation.
According to the association, vessels are effectively trapped due to what it described as a “blocked-style closure” of the critical shipping corridor.
Shipowners have also asked authorities to clarify reports suggesting that vessels from China and Iran are still navigating the strait, which has created uncertainty among Indian operators about whether it is safe to proceed through the route.
LPG Supplies Could Be Affected
Industry representatives have warned that prolonged disruption in the Strait of Hormuz could impact India’s fuel supplies.
Nearly 85% of India’s liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) imports pass through the strait, making the country particularly vulnerable to any sustained blockade or military escalation in the region.
INSA has urged the government to ensure safe passage for Indian vessels and protect the safety of seafarers operating in the area.
Missile Threats and Attacks Reported
The shipping body has also reported that three Indian tankers have already faced attacks since hostilities began on February 28, with one vessel narrowly avoiding a missile strike.
According to maritime analytics firm Lloyd’s List Intelligence, nearly 200 internationally trading oil and product tankers are currently stranded in Gulf waters because of the conflict.
INSA Chief Executive Anil Devli said that approximately 400 Indian seafarers are currently aboard Indian-flagged oil tankers and gas carriers operating in the region.
Why the Strait of Hormuz Matters
The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world’s most crucial energy transit routes.
The narrow passage between Oman and Iran handles around 20% of global oil and gas exports, making it vital for international energy markets.
India depends heavily on this route, with roughly 40% of its crude oil imports and over half of its liquefied natural gas (LNG) imports passing through the strait.
Shipping and Insurance Costs Surge
The ongoing conflict has also led to a sharp increase in shipping costs.
War-risk insurance premiums for vessels travelling through the Strait of Hormuz have risen significantly, with industry leaders warning that insurance expenses could almost double if tensions continue.
Freight rates have already increased as shipping companies become cautious about accepting new cargo orders through the conflict zone.
Export Trade Also Disrupted
The crisis is not only affecting energy imports but also disrupting Indian exports.
Reports suggest that billions of dollars worth of exports from India to Central Asian markets are currently delayed at ports or stuck on ships.
Deepak Kumar, director of Fortune Rice Limited, said many cargo ships are avoiding the route due to the heightened risk of attacks.
According to exporters, only a limited number of vessels are currently moving through the Strait of Hormuz, while many others remain parked in safe zones near regional ports.
Oil Markets React to Rising Tensions
The conflict has also triggered volatility in global oil markets.
The international benchmark Brent crude briefly surged close to $120 per barrel, one of its highest levels in recent years, amid fears of supply disruptions in the Gulf region.
Prices later moderated to around $92–$95 per barrel, while West Texas Intermediate crude traded near $90 per barrel.
Energy analysts say markets remain highly sensitive to developments around the Strait of Hormuz and the broader Middle East conflict.
Disclaimer
This article is based on publicly available reports and statements from industry representatives and media sources. Details related to shipping disruptions and security risks may change as the situation in the region continues to evolve.