New Delhi: Eight LPG tanker ships headed to India are currently waiting near the Strait of Hormuz due to heightened conflict-related tensions in the region. The disruption has raised concerns over the movement of vessels through the key maritime corridor.
The Strait of Hormuz, which is under Iran’s control, is a critical route for global energy trade, with around 20% of the world’s crude oil supply moving through it. Reports said shipping has been affected as Iran has been targeting vessels crossing the route.
India depends on imports for about 60% to 67% of its cooking gas needs, with a significant share coming from Gulf countries such as Saudi Arabia and Qatar via the Hormuz route. Any prolonged obstruction could impact domestic LPG supply.
Against this backdrop, high-level India-Iran discussions are underway to facilitate the safe movement of the eight tankers. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar spoke for the fourth time with Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi on the issue, requesting clearance for the LPG ships.
Iranian Minister Araghchi alleged that Israel and the United States were involved in war crimes and said Iran was acting through legal means to defend itself. He also said the BRICS grouping should play an important role in regional and global peace during crises.
