Indian LPG tanker Shivalik has arrived at Gujarat’s Mundra Port after crossing the Strait of Hormuz. This development comes days after, Iran has given permission to India to pass through the Strait of Hormuz. The other vessel which is yet to arrive is Nanda Devi. All Indian seafarers in the Persian Gulf are safe. Both the vessels are carrying around 92,700 metric tons of LPG and are headed to the ports of Mundra and Kandla, with expected arrival dates of March 16 and March 17 respectively. At present, there are 22 Indian-flagged vessels remaining in the Persian Gulf, carrying a total of 611 seafarers.
The global energy supply is disrupted due to blockage of the Strait of Hormuz, due to which India is also facing challenges. Out of total 60% oil imports, 90% comes through the Strait of Hormuz. As a result, LPG prices rose in India this week. India’s External Affairs Minister, S. Jaishankar had advocated direct dialogue with Iran to resume maritime traffic through the Strait. Strait of Hormuz handles nearly 20% of the global oil trade. Mr. Jaishankar cited the passage of Shivalik and Nanda Devi as a result of diplomatic approach. It is to be noted that, Iran has not given any such permission to US or China. Iran’s minister has also agreed of passing of Indian ships through the Strait, calling India a friend of Tehran.
