Amid escalating tensions in the region, two additional tankers flying the Indian flag have successfully navigated the treacherous Strait of Hormuz. This crucial waterway remains a lifeline for a select few nations, even as the shadow of conflict with Iran looms large.
The vessels, BW Elm and BW Tyr, carried shipments of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) — a vital commodity — as they traversed the strait. This journey unfolds against the backdrop of Iran’s persistent threats to disrupt tanker movements, as confirmed by the latest data from maritime tracking services LSEG and Kpler.
Despite the ongoing threats, Iran has stated that vessels deemed “non-hostile” are permitted to pass through the strategic corridor, albeit under strict conditions that require direct coordination with Tehran. As a result, the flow of ships through the strait, which ordinarily facilitates around 20% of the world’s oil supply, has been severely restricted.
India, a major player on the global LPG stage as the second-largest importer, is actively engaged in negotiations with Iran. The aim is to ensure the safe passage of its cargoes stranded in the Strait of Hormuz. LPG, akin to propane, serves as an essential cooking fuel across India and many other nations.
According to reports from New Delhi as of last Friday, no fewer than 20 Indian-flagged vessels, including five LPG carriers, remain stuck in the Gulf region. This situation compounds India’s woes as it grapples with one of its most severe gas crises in decades.
In response to this crisis, the Indian government has prioritized domestic needs, redirecting gas supplies away from industries to safeguard household access to cooking gas, thus averting a potential shortage.
India, which boasts a population of more than 1.4 billion people, consumed 33.15 million metric tons of LP gas last year, with 90% of its imported LP gas coming from the Middle East.
Asian countries have been hit especially hard by the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, with the Philippines declaring a national energy emergency last week as its refineries move to buy Russian crude.
Fuel supplies are also at risk of falling to critically low levels in Vietnam, Thailand and Singapore, officials warned.
President Trump has made taking control of the Strait of Hormuz a priority after growing frustrated with the lack of help from foreign allies to do so, sources told The Post.
“We are taking the Strait back. It’s guaranteed, and they will never blackmail us on that strait,” one senior administration official said. “You can take it to the bank.”
The Pentagon is allegedly preparing to deploy thousands of US Marines to the Middle East to conduct raids and ground operations for weeks, according to the Washington Post.
Trump has not publicly acknowledged the Pentagon’s proposal or whether he would approve any portion of the plans.
With Post Wires
