Two more India-bound tankers cross Strait of Hormuz: shipping ministry

AFP | New Delhi

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Two more Indian-flagged tankers carrying liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) passed through the Strait of Hormuz yesterday, India’s shipping ministry said, marking a fresh set of exceptions in the chokepoint disrupted by the Middle East war.

Tehran, following US-Israel military strikes, has all but halted maritime traffic in the Strait of Hormuz, through which about a fifth of global crude oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG) normally pass.

Jag Vasant and Pine Gas, carrying LPG about 92,000 metric tonnes combined, are likely to reach Indian ports between March 26 and 28, the ministry said in a statement.

Two other Indian LPG tankers had earlier transited through the strait.

India is the world’s fourth-largest buyer of LNG and second-largest buyer of LPG, which is used for cooking and predominantly sourced from the Middle East.

As supplies dwindle, New Delhi has ordered tighter controls over natural and cooking gas following import disruptions.

Earlier Monday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said New Delhi was in close contact with allies to safeguard supply chains hit by the war.

India maintains strong relations with Tehran but has steadily expanded cooperation with Israel across the defence, agriculture, technology and cybersecurity sectors.

“Our effort is to ensure that ships carrying oil, gas, fertilisers and other essential supplies reach India safely,” Modi told parliament.

“India has opposed attacks on civilian energy transport infrastructure. Attacks on commercial ships and waterways like the Strait of Hormuz are unacceptable.”