An Indian-flagged LPG carrier has navigated the Strait of Hormuz safely amid regional tensions, as New Delhi confirms ongoing crude oil purchases from Iran.
MUMBAI: An Indian-flagged liquefied petroleum gas tanker has safely transited the Strait of Hormuz.
The Indian government confirmed the passage on Saturday.
Iran has effectively halted maritime traffic in this critical global oil and gas chokepoint since US and Israeli strikes began. New Delhi has secured passage for several Indian-flagged vessels over the past three weeks.
The shipping ministry stated that the LPG carrier Green Sanvi passed through the strait. It was carrying 46,650 metric tonnes of LPG with 25 seafarers on board.
Seventeen Indian-flagged vessels with 460 crew members remain in the western Persian Gulf region. Public broadcaster All India Radio called it the seventh India-bound LPG tanker to cross since the Middle East war began.
India’s petroleum ministry also confirmed Indian refiners are buying crude oil from Iran. This helps deal with the global energy crisis amid Middle East supply disruptions.
The ministry stated there is “no payment hurdle for Iranian crude imports”. This follows a temporary US Treasury lifting of sanctions on Iranian oil already loaded onto vessels.
The ministry confirmed an LPG vessel carrying Iranian gas was discharging at the port of Mangalore. India imports about 60% of its LPG needs and faces a gas crunch.
The government has imposed tighter controls on natural and cooking gas. It is prioritising household supply and limiting industrial use.
New Delhi maintains strong relations with Tehran but has expanded cooperation with Israel. This includes defence, agriculture, technology and cybersecurity.
