India calls for safe movement of vessels as 2 more Indian LPG tankers to cross Strait of Hormuz

Strait of Hormuz

• India urges safe passage for its 22 ships in the Gulf region
• Two Indian LPG carriers may soon sail through Strait of Hormuz
• Shipping disrupted as Iran threatens vessels leaving the Gulf

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Amid rising tensions in the Gulf region, India has called for the safe movement of its vessels even as uncertainty continues around shipping activity through the Strait of Hormuz.

“We are in favour of safe and unhindered movement” of India’s fleet of 22 ships currently in the Gulf, foreign ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said on Friday. He added that Narendra Modi was in touch with global leaders to ensure their safe passage.

The remarks come at a time when two Indian-flagged liquefied petroleum gas carriers, Jag Vasant and Pine Gas, are preparing for a possible voyage through the crucial waterway. Both vessels are currently positioned near Sharjah, according to ship-tracking data.

Data from MarineTraffic showed that the tankers have been broadcasting signals indicating readiness to sail. A trade source familiar with the development said they could potentially depart on Saturday, although there has been no official confirmation.

The situation unfolds against a backdrop of significant disruption in the region. Shipping activity through the Strait of Hormuz has been affected after Iran warned it could target vessels attempting to leave the Gulf. The narrow passage handles nearly a fifth of global oil and liquefied natural gas supplies, making it critical to international energy markets.

Market data indicated that no crude oil tankers had passed through the strait in the previous 24 hours. Additional data from Kpler showed that an empty crude tanker, operating under United States sanctions, reversed course towards Iranian waters on March 18.

The ongoing tensions have led to a buildup of vessels in the area, with hundreds reportedly anchored as operators assess the risks.

The Reuters report also noted that the Jag Vasant has been chartered by Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited, while Pine Gas is operated by Indian Oil Corporation. Both firms did not respond to queries.

Meanwhile, Rajesh Kumar Sinha, special secretary in India’s shipping ministry, said details regarding the vessels’ movement were not immediately available when asked.