New Delhi, March 28, 2026 – In a major boost to India’s energy security, two Indian-flagged LPG (liquefied petroleum gas) tankers, Jag Vasant and Pine Gas, have successfully transited the volatile Strait of Hormuz and are now heading to domestic ports with nearly 93,000 tonnes of cooking gas – enough to meet roughly one day’s national demand.
The vessels crossed the narrow waterway on Monday, March 23, sailing in close formation near Iran’s coastline – a route now commonly used by ships to ensure safe passage through the region amid ongoing geopolitical disruptions in West Asia. Ship-tracking data and the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways confirmed the safe transit, with Jag Vasant carrying 33 Indian seafarers and Pine Gas carrying 27. The tankers are expected to dock at Indian ports, including Kandla and New Mangalore, between March 26 and 28.
Strategic Chokepoint Under Pressure The Strait of Hormuz, which connects the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea, handles a significant portion of the world’s oil and gas trade. Recent escalations in the West Asia conflict had stalled multiple Indian-flagged vessels west of the strait, raising concerns over LPG supplies for Indian households.
These two carriers are the latest in a series of successful transits. Earlier shipments, including those on MT Shivalik and MT Nanda Devi, had already reached Indian shores with similar volumes. According to government officials, around 20 Indian-flagged ships remain in the area, and efforts are underway to secure safe passage for all.
Special Secretary in the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Rajesh Kumar Sinha, clarified that no formal permission is required to transit the international strait. “It is an international strait. Every country has a right of freedom of navigation through that strait,” he stated, adding that safety assessments guide the timing of movements.
Relief for Domestic LPG Supply India relies heavily on imported LPG to meet household cooking needs. The successful arrival of these tankers comes as a timely relief, especially after reports of temporary shortages and price concerns in some states. Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently assured Parliament that India has built robust strategic petroleum reserves and diversified supply sources to weather such disruptions.
The Jag Vasant has already begun unloading operations at Gujarat’s Kandla port, while Pine Gas is expected shortly. This marks continued progress in resuming energy flows despite the challenges.
India’s Maritime Vigilance The Indian Navy and shipping authorities have been closely monitoring the situation, though official statements confirm that the vessels were not directly escorted through the strait itself. The focus remains on the safety of Indian crew members and ensuring uninterrupted energy imports from the Gulf region.
