India-Bound LPG Tanker Carrying 20,000 MT Completes Strait Of Hormuz Transit Amid Regional Crisis

A tanker carrying 20,000 metric tonnes of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) has arrived at India’s Deendayal Port Authority in Gujarat, after crossing the Strait of Hormuz during the ongoing West Asia conflict.

The Marshall Islands-flagged vessel MV SYMI sailed from Qatar and docked at Kandla around 11:30 pm on Saturday after crossing the Strait of Hormuz on May 13, officials said.

The Strait of Hormuz is a narrow and important sea route near Oman through which about one-fifth of the world’s oil and gas passes. It has seen rising risk and disruption due to the ongoing conflict in West Asia.

Since early March, 13 India-flagged ships, including 12 LPG tankers and one crude oil tanker, have crossed this route despite the tensions.

The conflict in West Asia began on February 28 after the United States and Israel launched joint attacks on Iran, which led to retaliatory strikes.

Shipping activity through Hormuz has since faced operational disruptions amid concerns over vessel safety, insurance exposure and potential supply interruptions.

India has publicly raised concerns over threats to commercial navigation in the region.

Speaking at a special meeting of the United Nations Economic and Social Council on safeguarding global energy and supply flows, India’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Parvathaneni Harish, said attacks on commercial shipping, threats to civilian crews and interference with freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz were “unacceptable”.

Earlier on May 13, an India-flagged commercial vessel was attacked near the coast of Oman. All 14 crew members were rescued by Omani authorities, but the attackers were not identified.

The Strait of Hormuz remains very important for global energy supply and for India’s fuel imports, so any disruption there is closely watched worldwide.

India has also been working on energy security deals. India and the UAE recently agreed on long-term LPG supply, shipping cooperation, and strategic petroleum reserves to improve supply stability.

At a meeting in Abu Dhabi, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the Strait of Hormuz should remain “free, open and safe” as the conflict affects global energy and trade.

References: newsonair, thehindu