Iran’s Foreign Minister Addresses LPG Supply Concerns Amid Strait of Hormuz Tensions
As tensions rise over liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) supply, Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has made a significant statement regarding the Strait of Hormuz. In a recent interview, Araghchi asserted that the strait is “only closed to the tankers and ships belonging to our enemies; others are free to pass.” This declaration comes at a critical time as two Indian LPG tankers, Shivalik and Nanda Devi, are scheduled to arrive at Gujarat’s Mundra and Kandla ports today and tomorrow. Meanwhile, 22 Indian vessels remain stranded near the strait, raising concerns about the ongoing maritime situation in the region.
Rajesh Kumar Sinha, Special Secretary at the Ministry of Shipping, provided updates during a media briefing on Monday. He confirmed the expected arrival of the two LPG tankers while highlighting the plight of the stranded vessels. The situation has drawn attention as the Strait of Hormuz is a vital maritime chokepoint, with significant implications for global energy supply routes. The ongoing conflict in the region has heightened fears of disruptions, prompting scrutiny of vessel movements and the safety of maritime operations.
Vessel Movements and Tracking Data Reveal Maritime Activity
Recent ship-tracking data from VesselFinder indicates that two additional oil tankers, Jag Prakash and Desh Vibhor, have successfully navigated through the Strait of Hormuz. A third Indian-flagged cargo vessel was also observed crossing the strait overnight. India Today has been actively tracking these vessels to map their transit across the strait. Notably, while the Nanda Devi was stationed near Iran’s Qeshm Island, the Shivalik was seen clustered with other vessels that remain stranded near the strait.
The crude oil tanker Jag Laadki did not cross the Hormuz waters, as it was docked at Fujairah port in the Gulf of Oman before being escorted by the Indian Navy across the Arabian Sea. The latest tracking data reveals that at least seven Indian LPG tankers have been stranded in the Persian Gulf for 17 days since the onset of the conflict. Among these, three vessels—Jag Vasant, Pine Gas, and Green Sanvi—are next in line to cross the Strait of Hormuz, while four others remain stuck west of the chokepoint.
India Today’s analysis of the ship-tracking data identified a total of 22 vessels operating in the Gulf region. This includes seven LPG carriers, seven oil tankers, four container ships, two bulk carriers, one tug, and one dredger. The latest updates indicate that at least three vessels, including one bulk carrier and two crude oil tankers, have successfully crossed the Strait of Hormuz and entered the Gulf of Oman. Meanwhile, the Indian-flagged dredger VOLVOX OLYMPIA is currently stationed at Dubai port, engaged in dredging operations.
