Indian LPG carriers cross Strait of Hormuz; is Iran easing passage during crisis?

New Delhi: Iran has allowed two India-flagged liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) carriers to pass through the Strait of Hormuz during the ongoing regional conflict, according to a Reuters report citing sources familiar with the matter. The move signals Tehran’s willingness to maintain energy trade routes with India despite heightened tensions in the Middle East.

Iran’s Ambassador to India, Mohammad Fathali, confirmed that Indian-bound vessels would be granted safe passage through the strategically vital waterway. Responding to a question about whether Iran would allow Indian ships to cross the strait, he said, “Yes. Because India and Iran are friends.”

Fathali emphasised the close ties between the two countries, stating that both nations share common interests and responsibilities. “Suffering of the people of India is our suffering and vice versa,” he said, adding that cooperation between the two governments reflects their “common fate and common interest.”

Why is the Strait of Hormuz so critical?

The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most important maritime chokepoints for energy trade, linking the Persian Gulf with global shipping routes. A significant portion of the world’s oil and gas exports passes through the narrow channel, making any disruption a major concern for global markets and energy security.

Shipping data cited by Reuters and Lloyd’s List Intelligence also showed that a crude oil tanker carrying Saudi Arabian oil successfully transited the strait earlier and was expected to arrive in India on Saturday, indicating that energy shipments are continuing despite tensions in the region.

What has Iran said about global oil politics?

Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi also criticised the United States over its stance on global oil trade. In a post on X, he claimed Washington had previously pressured India to reduce purchases of Russian crude but was now urging countries to buy it following the escalation of conflict with Iran.

“The US spent months on bullying India into ending oil imports from Russia. After two weeks of war with Iran, the White House is now begging the world — including India — to buy Russian crude,” Araghchi wrote.

Wider geopolitical backdrop

The developments come amid broader tensions involving Iran, the United States and Israel, with concerns that the Strait of Hormuz could become a flashpoint if the conflict escalates further. US military officials had earlier warned that Iran could attempt to disrupt shipping through the strait using mines, drones or missiles if hostilities intensify.

Despite these concerns, the decision to allow Indian vessels safe transit suggests that Iran is seeking to maintain key economic and diplomatic ties with India while the wider regional situation remains uncertain.