India’s immediate LPG crisis appears to be easing with the arrival of tankers and increased domestic production to meet needs. According to ship-tracking data, two more Indian-flagged ships carrying liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) are currently transiting the Strait of Hormuz, following a route previously used by ships cleared by Iran that stays close to its coastline.The Jug Vasant and Pine Gas, both classified as very large gas carriers, moved north from the UAE coast early Monday towards Iran’s Qeshm and Larak islands, according to data cited in the Bloomberg report.The Strait of Hormuz, a vital route linking oil and gas producers in the Persian Gulf to global markets, has been largely inaccessible since the US and Israeli attacks began in late February. Since then, Iran has significantly restricted maritime traffic through a combination of strikes and warnings. Only a limited number of ships, mainly belonging to Iran, China and some other countries including India, which have negotiated safe passage, have been able to pass.
Two more LPG ships leave for India
Instead of pinpointing a destination, both ships broadcast their Indian identification through transponders, a precaution also taken by other ships en route. They are likely headed to India, which is struggling with LPG supply disruptions and is linking up with Tehran to secure supplies of the fuel primarily used for cooking.Read this also LPG crisis: Argentina emerges as key alternative supplier; Shipments more than doubled in the first three months of 2026Earlier this month, two other Indian-flagged LPG carriers successfully completed the same route.Transiting the Strait of Hormuz typically takes up to 14 hours. If Jag Vasant and Pine Gas maintain their current course without any disruption, they are expected to enter the Gulf of Oman by Monday evening.Many ships that have successfully transited the Strait of Hormuz have followed a route adjacent to the Iranian coastline, indicating the presence of a traffic management system implemented by Tehran. Under normal circumstances, ships leaving the Gulf usually sail close to Oman. However, earlier in the month a ship attempting this traditional route was attacked.India’s two most recent LPG carriers were allowed safe passage after reaching an agreement with Iran, and one of the tankers was escorted by the Iranian navy, a senior official on board told Bloomberg News.Ship-tracking data shows that Jag Vasant entered the Persian Gulf through the Strait of Hormuz on 26 February and loaded LPG off Kuwait, hours before the start of hostilities on 28 February, after which it remained stranded there. Pine Gas also entered the Gulf on the same day and took off its entire cargo from Ruwais in the United Arab Emirates.The movement of these two ships along with the previous pair is expected to provide some relief from the shortage. However, according to Shiv Samrat Kapoor, managing director of the Indian branch of Sentosa Shipbrokers, the combined cargo of all four ships will meet only two to three days of India’s consumption.Read this also LPG, LNG, crude oil security: India plans to evacuate ships near Strait of Hormuz – here’s what is being considered“Iran is using the strait as a tool of maritime diplomacy, forcing countries to choose between Western alignment and energy stability,” he said. “The transit has proven India’s ability to maintain neutral relations during this time of geopolitical uncertainty.”In parallel, India has directed ports to give priority to LPG carriers. Last week, the Deendayal Port Authority, commonly known as Kandla Port, issued a notice directing agents to prioritize berthing for LPG ships, according to a document reviewed by Bloomberg News. This follows the March 10 directive of the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways aimed at ensuring uninterrupted LPG supply to households across the country.