Two Indian-flagged liquefied petroleum gas tankers are reportedly preparing to sail through the Strait of Hormuz amid escalating tensions in West Asia. The Strait of Hormuz is a strategic narrow sea lane between the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman, and around 20–25% of the world’s crude oil supply passes through it. Hundreds of ships had been stranded in the narrow sea lane between Iran and Oman since the beginning of the war on February 28. However, after India's diplomatic outreach, two Indian vessels -- Shivalik and Nanda Devi -- safely crossed the strait and reached Gujarat.
Two more Indian tankers, that are currently anchored in Gulf waters are likely to cross the Strait of Hormuz soon, reported Reuters, citing data from Kpler and shipping sources. The Indian-flagged LPG tankers Pine Gas and Jag Vasant, which are anchored near the United Arab Emirates hub of Sharjah within the Gulf, broadcast that they were preparing for a voyage, MarineTraffic ship-tracking data showed on Friday, the report stated.
A trade source familiar with the matter said the two LPG tankers could potentially set sail on Saturday, the report said. The Jag Vasant was chartered by BPCL and the Pine Gas by IOC, it said.
Rajesh Kumar Sinha, special secretary with India’s federal shipping ministry, said immediate details were not available, when asked on Friday if the vessels were preparing to sail.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson, Randhir Jaiswal, said separately on Friday that the country was "in favour of safe and unhindered movement” of India's fleet of 22 vessels which were inside the Gulf, adding that Prime Minister Narendra Modi was talking to other leaders about their safe passage.
Oil Prices Surge as Iran Blocks Hormuz
Global oil and gas prices have surged after Iran virtually blocked the Strait of Hormuz. However, Iran said that the Strait of Hormuz remains closed only for the US and its allies. Abbas Araghchi, Iranian Foreign Minister, said, "Well, as a matter of fact, the Strait of Hormuz is open. It is only closed to the tankers and ships belonging to our enemies or to those who are attacking us and their allies. Others are free to pass."
The West Asia conflict began after the US and Israel launched a major military attack on Iran on February 28, killing 86-year-old Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Iran, in retaliation, attacked several Gulf nations hosting American military bases, impacting global aviation operations, oil prices and triggering a looming energy crisis and choking the Strait of Hormuz.
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