Indian LPG fleet receives "escort" from Iran to pass through the Strait of Hormuz, opening up a new opportunity for navigation in the energy game.

Notice that, according to ship tracking data, two ships flying the Indian flag and carrying liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) are currently passing through the Strait of Hormuz. They are following the route taken by other ships previously approved by Iran, which is to sail close to the Iranian coastline. The data shows that earlier on Monday, two large LPG gas carriers flying the Indian flag - the "Jag Vasant" and "Pine Gas" - were sailing north from the coast of the UAE towards Iran's Qeshm and Larak islands. The transponder signals of these two ships show Indian ownership rather than their destination - a precautionary measure taken by other transit ships - but they are likely heading towards India. Currently, India is facing a severe LPG shortage and has been negotiating with Tehran to obtain this fuel primarily used for cooking gas. Earlier this month, two other LPG ships flying the Indian flag completed their transit. It takes up to 14 hours to fully cross the Strait of Hormuz. If the "Jag Vasant" and "Pine Gas" continue on their current trajectory without any hindrance, they are likely to reach the other side of the strait in the Gulf of Oman by Monday evening. As a vital lifeline connecting oil and gas producers in the Persian Gulf to the outside world, the Strait of Hormuz has been almost closed since the US and Israel launched attacks at the end of February. Since then, Tehran has essentially interrupted traffic through attacks and threats to ships. Currently, only ships from Iran, China, or a few countries seeking negotiated safe passage (including India) have successfully passed through. Several successfully transited ships have taken similar routes close to the Iranian coastline, indicating that Tehran has implemented some form of traffic control system. In normal times, ships leaving the Persian Gulf usually sail near the Oman side, but earlier this month, a ship traveling along the regular route was attacked. A senior officer on one of the ships told the media that the first two Indian transport ships were granted safe passage after reaching an agreement with Iran, with one even being escorted by the Iranian Navy. Ship tracking data shows that the "Jag Vasant" passed through the Strait of Hormuz into the Persian Gulf on February 26. It filled up with LPG from Kuwait just hours before the outbreak of war on February 28, and has been stranded ever since. The "Pine Gas" also entered on the same day and loaded cargo from Ruwais in the UAE. Shiv Samrat Kapur, general manager of Sentosa Shipbrokers India, said that these two ships, along with the previous two, will bring confidence to Indian people in need of gas cylinders. However, the capacity of these four ships is only enough for India's consumption for two to three days. He stated, "Iran is using the strait as a tool for maritime diplomacy, forcing countries to choose between following the West and energy stability. This passage demonstrates India's ability to maintain neutral relations during times of turmoil." Furthermore, India has requested priority berthing for LPG ships at ports. It was reported that last week, the Deendayal Port Authority, better known as Kandla, informed all agents that priority berths must be provided for LPG ships. This notification is based on the directive issued by the Indian Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways on March 10, aiming to "ensure uninterrupted supply of LPG to households nationwide."