Hormuz Passage: Two Indian LPG tankers safely cross the Strait of Hormuz after Iran grants special transit permission, ensuring continued fuel supply to India amid regional tensions.
Qalam Times News Network
New Delhi | March 14, 2026
Hormuz Passage Granted to Indian LPG Tankers
Hormuz Passage became a key development in the ongoing energy supply situation after two Indian-flagged tankers carrying liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) successfully crossed the Strait of Hormuz and are now heading toward India. The vessels were granted permission by Iran, which has otherwise imposed restrictions on traffic through the critical maritime route amid escalating tensions in West Asia.
According to Rajesh Kumar Sinha, Special Secretary in India’s Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, the ships passed through the strait early Saturday morning without any incident. The tankers are currently sailing toward ports on India’s western coast and are expected to deliver LPG cargo meant for domestic consumption.
Iran Makes Rare Exception for India
Officials indicated that the Hormuz Passage was granted as a special exemption after diplomatic engagement between New Delhi and Tehran. Iran has recently announced restrictions on shipments passing through the Strait of Hormuz, particularly those linked to the United States and its allies.
However, Indian authorities requested safe passage for energy shipments, considering the country’s dependence on imported fuel supplies. The exception allowed the two LPG carriers to proceed through the strategic channel.
The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most vital energy corridors. Nearly 20 percent of global oil and liquefied natural gas transported by sea passes through this narrow waterway connecting the Persian Gulf to international markets.
Modi Discussed Energy Transit With Iranian President
Earlier this week, Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a conversation with Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian. During the discussion, both leaders addressed the issue of maintaining smooth transit of goods and energy shipments from the Gulf region.
The talks were part of India’s diplomatic efforts to ensure uninterrupted supply of critical fuels amid the growing regional conflict and maritime restrictions.
India Activates Emergency Measures to Secure LPG Supply
In response to the evolving situation, the Indian government last week invoked emergency provisions to safeguard domestic LPG availability. Authorities directed oil refineries to increase LPG production to avoid shortages across the country.
At the same time, industrial use of LPG has been restricted in order to prioritise supply for households. India currently has around 333 million homes connected to LPG cylinders, making the fuel essential for daily cooking needs.
New Rules Introduced for LPG and PNG Consumers
India’s Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas also introduced amendments to its supply regulations to manage demand more efficiently.
Under the revised order, households that already have piped natural gas (PNG) connections are no longer allowed to obtain, retain, or refill domestic LPG cylinders. Government-owned oil companies have also been instructed not to provide new LPG connections or refills to consumers who are already connected to PNG supply systems.
Officials said the measure is intended to ensure that LPG cylinders remain available for households that rely entirely on the fuel for cooking.
Energy Security Remains a Priority
The safe movement of the two Indian tankers comes as a relief for authorities monitoring fuel supplies amid geopolitical tensions affecting the Strait of Hormuz. With a significant portion of global energy trade moving through the route, any disruption can quickly impact international markets and national supply chains.
India continues to monitor the situation closely while pursuing diplomatic engagement to maintain the flow of essential energy shipments.
