Two Indian-flagged vessels carrying liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) are currently transiting the strategically critical Strait of Hormuz, offering potential relief to domestic supply concerns as regional tensions continue to disrupt energy routes.
Ship-tracking data indicates that the vessels, Jag Vasant and Pine Gas, entered the strait after receiving clearance for safe passage. Both ships began their journey early Monday from the United Arab Emirates coast and are moving along a route close to Iran’s shoreline, near Qeshm and Larak islands.
The cargo onboard consists of LPG, a key cooking fuel widely used across Indian households. The movement of these vessels comes at a time when disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz have raised concerns over fuel availability and supply chain continuity.
Tracking systems for both ships showed Indian ownership instead of disclosing specific destinations, reflecting precautionary measures adopted by vessels navigating the sensitive maritime corridor. Reports suggest that this practice has been increasingly used to avoid potential risks in the region.
The ships are expected to reach the Gulf of Oman by Monday evening if the transit proceeds without interruption. A full passage through the Strait of Hormuz typically takes around 14 hours under normal conditions.
The transit is taking place against the backdrop of heightened geopolitical tensions following military actions in late February involving the United States and Israel. Since then, Iran has exercised increased control over vessel movement through the strait, allowing only select ships linked to certain countries, including India, to pass after negotiations.
Shipping patterns observed in recent days suggest that Iran is directing vessels to follow routes closer to its coastline, rather than the conventional path nearer to Oman. The alternative route has been considered relatively safer amid reports of security risks, including an incident earlier this month involving an attack on a vessel in the region.
Both Jag Vasant and Pine Gas had entered the Persian Gulf in late February, shortly before the escalation of tensions. Jag Vasant loaded its LPG cargo from Kuwait, while Pine Gas sourced its shipment from Ruwais in the UAE. The vessels had remained in the region as movement through the strait became restricted.
Their current transit follows similar passages completed earlier this month by two other Indian-flagged LPG carriers, indicating a gradual resumption of movement for select vessels under controlled conditions.
The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the most critical maritime chokepoints globally, handling a significant share of oil and gas shipments. Any disruption in this corridor has direct implications for global energy markets and supply chains, particularly for countries reliant on imports.
The movement of the two Indian vessels is being closely monitored, as authorities assess the evolving situation in the region and its potential impact on domestic fuel availability.
