Oil and LPG tankers continue to reach Mumbai despite the United States’ blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, highlighting the challenges Washington faces in fully enforcing restrictions in one of the world’s most critical maritime chokepoints.

While the US Navy has been deployed in the Gulf of Oman to monitor and curb vessel movement, reports indicate that many ships are still managing to bypass the blockade.

According to India Today, maritime observers have identified possible alternative routes that may allow vessels to travel from Iran’s Kharg Island directly to India without being intercepted.

One recent example is the Indian vessel Desh Garima which successfully reached Mumbai last Wednesday carrying 97,000 metric tonnes of crude oil from Ras Laffan, Qatar. Reports suggest the vessel encountered Iranian fire during its journey, yet it completed its route. Since the US blockade began on April 13, over 30 tankers are believed to have crossed the Strait of Hormuz, with several reportedly linked to Iran.

"At least 34 tankers with links to Iran have bypassed the US blockade since it began," reported The Financial Times, based on tracking data of ship movements in and out of the Persian Gulf.

Meanwhile, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated that 14 Indian vessels are currently operating in the Strait of Hormuz region.

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So how are these ships managing to get through?

Analysts have pointed to two possible routes. The first, shared by Bianco Research president Jim Bianco and later discussed by commentator Mario Nawfal, suggests that ships stay close to Iran’s territorial waters before moving along Pakistan’s Makran coastline. This route allows vessels to remain largely within territorial waters, making it harder for the US Navy to intervene.

A second route involves tankers moving along Iran’s southern coast toward Chabahar Port before heading south into international waters, from where they can sail directly toward India’s western ports, including Maharashtra, Gujarat, Goa, Karnataka, or Kerala.

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According to India Today, both routes remain technically viable, especially since the US blockade primarily targets international waters and cannot legally obstruct lawful commercial shipping within sovereign territorial boundaries.

In simple terms, while the blockade may create pressure, it has not fully stopped the movement of oil shipments. For India and other countries dependent on Gulf energy supplies, these alternative sea routes remain crucial.