Iran has allowed two Indian flagged liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) carriers to pass through the Strait of Hormuz, making a rare exception to the blockade that has disrupted global energy shipments since the outbreak of the Iran war, according to sources familiar with the matter.
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The vessels — Shivalik LPG carrier and Nanda Devi LPG carrier — are owned by the state-run Shipping Corporation of India. Sources said Shivalik successfully crossed the strategic waterway under escort from the Indian Navy, while Nanda Devi was expected to clear the strait shortly afterward.
The strait, located between Iran and Oman, is one of the world’s most important energy routes, normally handling around 20% of global oil and seaborne liquefied natural gas shipments. Since the United States and Israel launched military strikes against Iran, Tehran has largely restricted maritime traffic through the corridor.
Iran has stated that it would not allow shipments destined for the United States or its allies to pass through the strait. However, India sought special permission for the transit of energy supplies due to its growing domestic fuel needs.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said he recently spoke with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian to discuss the safe movement of goods and energy from the Gulf region.
India is currently facing one of its most severe gas supply shortages in decades, prompting the government to cut LPG allocations for industries in order to protect household cooking gas supplies.
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Shipping data showed that Shivalik had earlier arrived in Qatari waters in late February, while Nanda Devi had recently been near the entrance to the Strait of Hormuz after calling at Ras Laffan Port in Qatar.
Meanwhile, a crude oil tanker carrying Saudi Arabian oil is expected to arrive in India soon, highlighting ongoing efforts to secure alternative fuel supplies amid continued tensions in the Gulf region.