Five India-Flagged LPG Tankers Carrying 2.3 Lakh Tonnes of Cooking Gas Remain West of Strait of Hormuz Amid West Asia Tensions; Government Stresses Freedom of Navigation

New Delhi, March 25, 2026: Amid the ongoing disruptions in the West Asia conflict and restricted shipping movements through the critical Strait of Hormuz, the Indian government on Tuesday confirmed that five India-flagged LPG tankers loaded with approximately 2.3 lakh tonnes of cooking gas are currently positioned west of the strait. Another empty LPG tanker has begun loading fuel in the region and is expected to join the queue soon, officials said.

The update came during a joint inter-ministerial briefing where Special Secretary in the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Rajesh Kumar Sinha, addressed concerns over maritime safety and transit protocols in the conflict zone. He firmly asserted that no permission is required from any country, including Iran, for vessels to transit the international waterway.

“It is an international strait. Every country has a right of freedom of navigation through that strait. No permission is needed to cross it. Earlier also, no permission was needed. Now also, it’s not needed,” Sinha stated categorically. He added that international regulations explicitly prohibit any levy or toll on ships passing through the strait, dismissing reports of payments or special clearances as “baseless.”

While emphasising the legal right to free passage, Sinha acknowledged the volatile security situation. “Given the current circumstances, movements must be assessed for safety and appropriate timing,” he noted. The decision on when to sail ultimately rests with the shipping companies and charterers, who evaluate risks in consultation with relevant authorities.

Positive Movement: Pine Gas and Jag Vasant Successfully Transit

In a welcome development, two India-flagged LPG carriers — Pine Gas and Jag Vasant — safely crossed the Strait of Hormuz on Monday, March 24, carrying a combined cargo of over 92,600 metric tonnes of LPG. This quantity is roughly equivalent to one day’s domestic cooking gas requirement for the country.

• Jag Vasant, carrying about 47,600 MT of LPG and chartered by Bharat Petroleum, is expected to reach Kandla Port in Gujarat on March 26.
• Pine Gas, loaded with approximately 45,000 MT and chartered by Indian Oil Corporation from Ruwais in the UAE, is scheduled to arrive at New Mangalore Port in Karnataka on the morning of March 27.

Both vessels carried a total of around 60 Indian seafarers (33 on one and 27 on the other). Reports indicate they navigated close to the Iranian coastline under careful coordination, with Indian Navy escorts ready to provide protection once the ships entered international waters beyond the strait.

This successful transit follows the earlier safe passage of two other LPG carriers — MT Shivalik and MT Nanda Devi — which delivered over 92,000 MT of LPG to Indian ports earlier in March.

Broader Situation: 20 Indian-Flagged Vessels Still Waiting

According to the shipping ministry, approximately 20 Indian-flagged vessels with around 540–611 Indian seafarers on board remain positioned west of the Strait of Hormuz in the Persian Gulf. These include:

• Five loaded LPG tankers (2.3 lakh tonnes of cooking gas)
• One additional LPG tanker currently loading
• Four crude oil tankers
• One LNG tanker
• Other vessels carrying chemicals, containers, bulk cargo, and some undergoing routine maintenance

The government has made the safety and well-being of Indian crew members its top priority. Officials are in continuous touch with ship owners, charterers, and international partners to facilitate safe passage for the remaining vessels at the earliest opportunity.

Context Within the Larger Energy and Geopolitical Crisis

The restrictions on shipping through the Strait of Hormuz — which handles about one-fifth of global seaborne oil and significant volumes of LPG and LNG — stem from the escalation in the US-Iran-Israel conflict that began on February 28, 2026. Iran has imposed selective controls on commercial traffic in retaliation to strikes, leading to delays and heightened insurance costs for vessels.

For India, the world’s third-largest importer of crude oil and a major consumer of LPG for household cooking, any prolonged disruption poses risks to energy affordability and supply stability. Nearly one crore Indian nationals work in Gulf countries, and many Indian crew members serve on commercial ships in the region.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his recent addresses to Parliament, described the situation as a “serious global energy crisis” and outlined proactive measures. The government has formed seven empowered groups to manage fuel supplies, diversify imports from over 40 countries, maintain strategic petroleum reserves (currently at about 53 lakh metric tonnes), and ensure fertiliser availability for the upcoming kharif season. Modi also highlighted successful deliveries of Indian-flagged LPG carriers and urged states to crack down on black-marketing and hoarding.

An all-party meeting convened by the government on Wednesday, chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar expected to attend, will further discuss the evolving scenario and India’s response.

Safety-First Approach and Naval Preparedness

While upholding the principle of freedom of navigation, Indian authorities are adopting a cautious, safety-first approach. The Indian Navy has deployed warships in the Gulf of Oman and near the Strait of Hormuz to monitor the situation and provide escort support where necessary. Shipping companies are coordinating closely with the Directorate General of Shipping and the ministry for real-time risk assessments.

No congestion has been reported at Indian ports, and operations continue smoothly. The government is also working with international maritime organisations and friendly nations to keep supply lines open.

Outlook and Relief Measures

The safe transit of Pine Gas and Jag Vasant provides immediate relief to domestic LPG stocks, which had come under pressure due to global price volatility and supply chain strains. With oil prices slipping below $100 per barrel on hopes of a US-proposed five-day energy truce and broader ceasefire talks (including a 15-point plan via Pakistan), there is cautious optimism that more vessels could move soon.

However, officials continue to monitor the situation round-the-clock. Diversification of energy sources, accelerated use of strategic reserves, and diplomatic engagements with all parties in the conflict remain key pillars of India’s strategy.

As Rajesh Kumar Sinha reiterated, India remains committed to securing the safe passage of all stranded vessels and protecting its seafarers while ensuring uninterrupted energy supplies for its citizens. In a fast-evolving geopolitical landscape, this measured yet firm approach underscores New Delhi’s focus on energy security and citizen welfare amid global uncertainties.

The coming days will be critical as more vessels prepare to transit and diplomatic efforts — including the Modi-Trump conversation emphasising an open Hormuz — gain momentum. For millions of Indian households reliant on affordable LPG for daily cooking, every successful delivery counts as a step towards normalcy.