India’s two large LPG ships, Jag Vasant and Pine Gas, have safely transited the strategically important Strait of Hormuz. These ships left this route on Monday, 23 March 2026 and are now moving towards India. These ships are loaded with approximately 92,000 tonnes of LPG, which is equivalent to India’s entire consumption for a day. The safe passage of these ships amid the ongoing tension in West Asia is a big relief for the Indian energy sector.
ℹ️: Reliance Industries bought 50 lakh barrels of crude oil from Iran, the company made the deal after America lifted the ban.
How was it possible for these ships to escape amidst tension?
Indian ships used special tactics to cross this route. The ships passed through Qeshm and Larak islands close to the Iranian coastline, which is considered a safe corridor. Shipping Ministry officials have confirmed that these ships were given safe passage.
The diplomatic talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Iranian President Masood Pejeshkian played a big role in making this safe journey possible. The Indian Navy has increased its deployment in the Gulf of Oman and the Gulf of Aden to provide security to ships. Iranian officials have clarified that the Strait of Hormuz has not been closed, but strict security arrangements have been made. Rajesh Kumar Sinha, who is Special Secretary in the Shipping Ministry, said that the government is continuously tracking the location of these ships.
Current status of ships and security arrangements
It is expected that these ships will reach Indian ports between 26 to 28 March 2026. Both these ships were stuck for a long time due to increasing tension in West Asia. Key information about these ships can be seen in the table below:
Name of the ship Where the cargo is loaded Chartering company Jag Vasant Kuwait Bharat Petroleum (BPCL) Pine Gas UAE (Ruwais) Hindustan Petroleum (HPCL)
The Indian Navy will then provide security cover to these ships once they come out of Iranian waters. At present, there are about 22 more Indian ships in the Gulf region, in which 611 Indian sailors are working. Continuous talks are going on between the Government of India and Iran so that the movement of Indian ships continues without any hindrance in future also.
