Indian Ships Stranded in Strait of Hormuz Amid Ongoing Conflict
New Delhi – As tensions escalate in the Middle East, 22 Indian-flagged vessels remain stranded in the Persian Gulf, holding a significant cargo of 1.67 million tonnes of crude oil, 320,000 tonnes of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), and approximately 200,000 tonnes of liquefied natural gas (LNG). Rajesh Kumar Sinha, Special Secretary in the Shipping Ministry, confirmed this situation during a news briefing on Wednesday. The vessels are currently awaiting safe passage through the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz, which has been effectively shut down due to recent military actions involving the US and Israel against Iran.
Initially, there were 28 Indian-flagged ships in the Strait of Hormuz when hostilities erupted. Of these, 24 were positioned on the west side and four on the east side of the strait. In the past week, two vessels from each side have successfully navigated to safety. Sinha assured that all 611 seafarers aboard the stranded vessels are safe. Currently, three vessels remain on the east side after one additional ship joined them. The 22 vessels on the west side consist of various types, including six LPG carriers, one LNG tanker, four crude oil tankers, and several container and bulk carriers.
Efforts Underway to Secure Safe Passage
Efforts are ongoing to facilitate the safe transit of these Indian vessels through the conflict-ridden Strait of Hormuz. The strait is a crucial maritime route that connects the Persian Gulf to the open ocean, and its closure has significant implications for global oil supply. Approximately 500 tanker vessels are currently confined to the Persian Gulf, including 108 crude oil tankers and numerous other types of oil and chemical carriers.
Analysts suggest that Iran may be selectively allowing certain vessels to pass through the strait after a verification process. In recent days, at least four vessels have successfully transited outbound through the Strait of Hormuz, utilizing a diversion via the Larak-Qeshm Channel. This process appears to involve Iran confirming the ownership and cargo of the vessels, ensuring they do not belong to the US or other entities that Iran has not permitted for transit.
India heavily relies on imports for its energy needs, sourcing about 88% of its crude oil, 50% of its natural gas, and 60% of its LPG from abroad. Before the outbreak of conflict, a significant portion of India’s crude oil imports came from countries like Saudi Arabia, Iraq, and the UAE, all of which utilize the Strait of Hormuz for shipping. The ongoing disruption has led to a partial shift in sourcing crude oil from alternative suppliers, including Russia and Latin America, but has severely impacted gas and LPG supplies to industrial and commercial users across India.
