Iran Allows Limited Passage to Indian Gas Carriers Amidst Strait of Hormuz Blockade
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — Iran has permitted two Indian-flagged liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) carriers – the Shivalik and the Nanda Devi – to transit the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz, sources with direct knowledge of the matter confirmed Friday. This represents a rare exception to Iran’s near-total blockade of the waterway, a move that has sent ripples through global energy markets.
The Shivalik, escorted by the Indian Navy, has already passed through the strait, while the Nanda Devi is expected to follow shortly. The limited passage comes as Iran continues to largely halt maritime traffic through the strait, which normally carries around 20% of the world’s oil and seaborne liquefied natural gas, in response to ongoing airstrikes from the United States and Israel.
Tehran has stated it will not allow supplies destined for the U.S. or its allies to pass through the strait. However, India has successfully sought exemptions, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi discussing the transit of goods and energy from the Gulf with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on Thursday.
The situation underscores the escalating tensions in the Middle East and the potential for widespread economic disruption. The closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a chokepoint for global energy supplies, has already contributed to India’s worst gas crisis in decades, forcing the government to curtail supplies to industries to prioritize households.
Beyond the passage of the LPG carriers, India has also provided safe harbor to 183 Iranian sailors from a vessel that docked following the outbreak of conflict. One of three vessels that participated in exercises with India, another was sunk by a U.S. torpedo off Sri Lanka.
The ongoing conflict and Iran’s actions in the Strait of Hormuz are being closely monitored by international observers, with concerns mounting over the potential for further escalation and broader economic consequences.
[Embedded YouTube Video: Oil tankers set ablaze by Iranian drones as shipping vessels targeted in Middle East war – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S7jJno67koQ]