US-Iran War: In a positive development amid the escalating conflict in the Middle East, two Indian-flagged LPG tankers have safely navigated the volatile Strait of Hormuz and are now heading towards India, a senior government official said. This development came just after External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar held a meeting with Iran's Ambassador to India Mohammad Fathali in New Delhi.

Around 20 other Indian-flagged vessels, including those carrying LPG, remain stranded on the west side of the Strait. However, they are expected to begin the disembarkation process within the next few hours. India is in active talks with Iran to ensure the safe passage of its ships near the Strait of Hormuz, a strategic chokepoint through which nearly 20 per cent of the world's oil and gas flows.

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Indian-Flagged LPG Tankers Navigate Strait Of Hormuz, To Arrive In India Soon

Speaking at a media briefing, Rajesh Kumar Sinha, Special Secretary in the Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways, said that two Indian-flagged LPG tankers, Pine Gas and Jag Vasant, carrying a combined 92,612 tons of LPG, have safely transited the Strait of Hormuz.

Jag Vasant is scheduled to reach Kandla port in Gujarat on Thursday, March 26, while Pine Gas is expected at New Mangalore port on March 27. A total of 60 Indian sailors are on board on both ships.

Additionally, LPG shipments procured by the Indian companies from Australia and the United States are expected to arrive in India within a week to ten days, Jagran.com reported.

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What Government Said On 20 Indian -Flagged Ships Stranded In Strait Of Hormuz?

Around 20 Indian-flagged vessels, including those carrying LPG, are stranded on the west side of the Strait of Hormuz. Sinha said that six LPG carriers are expected to depart soon, clarifying that Iran has not imposed any tolls on these vessels and that freedom of navigation under UNCLOS remains in place.

Officials noted that a single ship carries roughly 45,000 LPG cylinders, a shipment crucial for keeping India's domestic LPG supply uninterrupted.

India consumes an average of 80,000 to 100,000 tons of LPG annually. Of this, 60 per cent of LPG is imported. To ensure uninterrupted supply amid the escalating conflict in the Middle East, domestic refineries have ramped up production by 38 per cent in recent weeks.

(With Jagran.com Inputs)