An Indian LPG tanker, Jag Vikram, has successfully transited the Strait of Hormuz for the first time since a two-week conditional ceasefire was announced between the United States and Iran. According to ship tracking data, the vessel crossed the strategic waterway between Friday night and Saturday morning and was later spotted in the Gulf of Oman, heading eastward.
A government statement confirmed the movement, noting that the India-flagged vessel is carrying around 20,400 tonnes of LPG along with 24 crew members. It is expected to reach Mumbai on April 15, 2026. The Jag Vikram, owned by Mumbai-based Great Eastern Shipping Company, is a mid-sized gas carrier with a deadweight capacity exceeding 26,000 tonnes.
This transit marks the ninth Indian vessel to exit the Persian Gulf since early March. Around 15 India-flagged ships remain in the region awaiting passage. When the West Asia conflict erupted, at least 28 Indian vessels were in the Strait of Hormuz area—24 on the western side and four on the eastern side. Before this transit, eight vessels from the western side and two from the eastern side had already moved to safety. Several foreign-flagged ships carrying cargo destined for India are still stranded in the Persian Gulf.
The government noted that port operations across India remain normal with no congestion reported. The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways continues to coordinate with the Ministry of External Affairs, Indian missions, and maritime stakeholders to ensure seafarer welfare and uninterrupted operations.
India, the world’s third-largest energy consumer and fourth-largest gas user, relies on imports for about 88% of its crude oil, half of its natural gas, and nearly 60% of its LPG. Over half of its crude imports, around 40% of gas, and 85–90% of LPG shipments come from Gulf nations and pass through the Strait of Hormuz, which had been closed during the conflict.
Following supply disruptions, India initially cut LPG deliveries to commercial users like hotels and restaurants, later restoring about 70% of pre-crisis volumes by securing alternative supplies. Natural gas supplies were first redirected from industries, including fertilizer plants, to prioritize CNG for transport and piped cooking gas for households.
