LPG tankers reach India amid Hormuz tensions

Metro India News | NEW DELHI 

Two more Indian-flagged LPG carriers have successfully navigated the conflict-hit Strait of Hormuz, bringing much-needed relief to India’s strained cooking gas supplies.

According to an official statement, the vessels BW TYR and BW ELM, carrying a combined cargo of around 94,000 tonnes of LPG, have safely crossed the volatile region and are heading towards Indian ports. BW TYR is expected to arrive in Mumbai on March 31, while BW ELM is scheduled to dock at New Mangalore on April 1.

The development comes amid escalating tensions in West Asia following US and Israeli strikes on Iran and Tehran’s retaliatory actions, which have severely disrupted shipping through the strategic Strait of Hormuz — a critical route for global oil and gas supplies. Although Iran recently allowed “non-hostile vessels” to pass after coordination, movement remains limited.

Earlier, four Indian LPG tankers had also completed safe passages, delivering over 1.85 lakh tonnes of fuel to ports in Gujarat. Additionally, an Indian oil tanker carrying crude oil from the UAE reached Mundra, highlighting continued but cautious maritime movement.

India, which imports nearly 60 per cent of its LPG requirements — with around 90 per cent sourced from West Asia — is facing one of its worst supply crunches in decades. The country consumed over 33 million tonnes of LPG last year, making uninterrupted imports crucial.