45,000-tonne LPG tanker crosses Hormuz amid Iran–US tensions: Will it affect LPG prices in India?
An India-linked LPG tanker carrying 45,000 tonnes of fuel has crossed the Strait of Hormuz amid rising Iran–US tensions, highlighting concerns over global energy security.
The ongoing Middle East crisis has put severe strain on global oil and gas supply routes, with the Strait of Hormuz facing heightened tension due to the broader Iran–US conflict. The waterway is one of the world’s most critical energy corridors, handling a large share of global oil and gas shipments.
According to marine traffic data, an India-linked supertanker carrying liquefied petroleum gas has crossed the Strait of Hormuz. The vessel, identified as Sarv Shakti, is carrying around 45,000 tonnes of LPG and is flagged under the Marshall Islands.
Route and tracking details
The tanker was earlier tracked moving past Iran’s Larak and Qeshm islands towards the Gulf of Oman. It is reportedly signalling India as its destination and broadcasting that it has an Indian crew, a security measure increasingly used by vessels navigating high-risk waters.
Citing Bloomberg, reports suggest that state-run Indian Oil Corporation is the buyer of the cargo, although there has been no official confirmation from the company so far.
If completed without disruption, the voyage would mark one of the first successful crossings of the Strait of Hormuz by an India-linked LPG carrier since tensions intensified in the region. Shipping activity through the corridor had sharply declined due to security concerns and military risks.
India’s energy security concerns
India, the world’s third-largest oil importer and second-largest LPG consumer, has been working to safeguard fuel supplies amid fears of disruption. Authorities have prioritised LPG shipments at ports and strengthened domestic production to reduce vulnerability.
Broader supply chain adjustments
India has also expanded domestic LPG output significantly while demand patterns have shifted slightly due to conservation measures. Officials have additionally explored alternative shipping routes and negotiated directly with suppliers to maintain steady imports.
A 45,000-tonne India-linked LPG tanker crossing the Strait of Hormuz amid ongoing Iran–US tensions has raised questions about its impact on cooking gas prices in India. The movement is significant from a supply security perspective, as the Strait of Hormuz is a key global energy chokepoint through which a large share of India’s LPG imports pass.
However, there is no immediate expectation of a change in domestic LPG cylinder prices. In India, retail LPG rates are regulated by state-run oil companies and are not directly linked to short-term shipping disruptions. The shipment mainly helps ensure supply continuity, which reduces the risk of shortages or sudden price spikes rather than lowering prices for consumers.
Despite the movement of some vessels, shipping in the region remains highly sensitive due to electronic interference, tracking disruptions and security threats, making real-time monitoring of tanker movements challenging.