In recent months, India and its people have faced a severe shortage of oil and gas. Due to the conflict between Iran and America that started in February, the Strait of Hormuz was closed, stopping the movement of crude oil and gas. However, the ceasefire has now come into effect and ships carrying oil and gas for India have departed from Hormuz.
**No shortage of oil and gas**
In fact, so far 30 ships carrying oil and gas for India have safely passed through the Strait of Hormuz. This is good news for India. As a result, there will be no shortage of oil and gas in the country and there may also be a slight decline in prices. According to a report in *Times of India*, 26 more ships are still waiting to pass through this important sea route.
**What did the Shipping Ministry say?**
Speaking to TOI, shipping ministry sources said that of the 30 ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz, about half were carrying LPG and LNG. In addition, eight ships were carrying bulk cargo and seven ships were carrying crude oil. Reports indicate that 19 ships passed through this route between 1 March and 17 June. Meanwhile, following the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Iran and the US, 11 more ships have passed safely, indicating a reduction in regional tensions.
**26 ships in Qatar**
While 30 ships have already departed, 26 more are stranded in the Persian Gulf, especially in the western part of the Strait of Hormuz. These include three ships carrying energy related products, ten ships carrying fertilizers and thirteen ships carrying various types of goods.
**Oil and gas are important for India**
The arrival of these ships has come as a relief to India amid the shortage and rising prices of oil and gas – supplies that the country desperately needs at this time. It is possible that the country now has sufficient reserves of oil and gas, which will reduce the current high prices. This will also reduce the burden of inflation on the common man.
