Amid escalating tensions in the Middle East due to the ongoing conflict between the United States and Iran, an LPG tanker bound for India successfully crossed the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz on Saturday without any incident, according to official sources. The development comes as a significant reassurance for India’s energy security at a time when the conflict has disrupted key shipping routes and raised global concerns over fuel supplies.
Sources confirmed that the tanker passed through the narrow waterway earlier in the day and continued its journey safely toward India. Another LPG tanker is expected to sail for India soon, signaling continued maritime movement despite the regional instability.
The confirmation coincided with a statement by Mohammad Fathali, Iran’s Ambassador to India, who emphasized Tehran’s commitment to ensuring safe passage for Indian-bound vessels through the Strait of Hormuz.
Speaking to reporters, Fathali described the relationship between India and Iran as one built on longstanding friendship and shared interests.
“Yes, because India and Iran are friends. We believe Iran and India have common interests and a common fate,” he said when asked about tanker movement through the strait.
He further noted that the two countries have historically supported each other during difficult times. “The suffering of the people of India is our suffering and vice versa. For this reason, the government of India helps us, and we should help the government of India because we have common interests,” Fathali added.
India’s energy concerns have grown after recent developments in the region affected gas production in Qatar. Following missile attacks by Iran on Qatari gas fields, QatarEnergy — the world’s largest exporter of liquefied natural gas — temporarily halted production, disrupting supply chains across Asia.
India imports around 50 percent of its natural gas requirements from the global market, with approximately 20 percent coming from Qatar. The disruption has therefore raised concerns about supply stability for several Asian economies.
To address potential shortages, the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas has introduced new guidelines to regulate the distribution and consumption of natural gas across sectors. The central government has categorized key industries into four priority groups to ensure that essential services receive uninterrupted supply in case of further disruptions.
Officials said the measures are precautionary and part of a broader strategy to maintain stability in domestic energy markets.
Since the conflict began over two weeks ago, several large oil and gas tankers had remained stranded after Iran warned it could enforce a blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. The waterway, which is roughly 50 kilometers wide and about 60 meters deep in some areas, is one of the world’s most critical energy transit routes.
A significant portion of global oil and gas shipments pass through this corridor, making it highly sensitive to geopolitical tensions.
Despite the uncertainty, Indian officials say the country’s energy supply remains stable. According to the government, more than 70 percent of India’s crude oil imports are now being transported through routes that bypass the Strait of Hormuz.
During an inter-ministerial briefing, Sujata Sharma, Joint Secretary (Marketing and Oil Refinery) at the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, said India’s strong refining capacity provides an important buffer.
India is the world’s fourth-largest refiner, she noted, which allows the country to maintain adequate product availability even during global disruptions.
Officials also revealed that domestic LPG production has been increased by 28 percent to meet rising demand. LPG cylinder bookings surged in recent days due to panic buying triggered by fears of supply shortages.
Authorities have reassured citizens that there is no LPG crisis and urged the public to avoid hoarding cylinders.
The regional conflict intensified after the killing of Ali Khamenei, Iran’s Supreme Leader, in joint military strikes carried out by the United States and Israel. In retaliation, Iran launched attacks targeting American and Israeli assets across several Gulf countries and Israel.
The escalation has disrupted shipping routes, affected international energy markets, and raised concerns about global economic stability.
Despite these tensions, the safe passage of Indian-bound tankers through the Strait of Hormuz has provided a measure of reassurance that energy supplies to India remain secure for now.
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