New Delhi: India is prioritising the safe return of its stranded vessels in the Gulf before allowing more ships to resume fuel loading operations in the region amid escalating tensions around the Strait of Hormuz.
Officials from the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways said the government is closely monitoring the situation and coordinating with the Ministry of External Affairs before taking any further decision on sending Indian vessels back into the affected zone.
According to officials, 13 Indian flagged ships and one Indian owned vessel remain stranded on the western side of the Strait of Hormuz following the disruption caused by the ongoing conflict in the region. Authorities said the immediate focus is to ensure the safe exit of all ships currently trapped in the area.
Since maritime movement became heavily restricted after the outbreak of hostilities involving Iran, the United States and Israel in late February, several energy cargo vessels have faced delays and operational uncertainty. Despite the difficult conditions, 13 vessels carrying energy supplies, mostly liquefied petroleum gas, have successfully crossed out of the Strait so far.
The crisis has raised serious concerns for India’s energy security, especially because the country relies heavily on the Middle East for fuel imports. Before the conflict, more than 40 percent of India’s crude oil imports and nearly 90 percent of its cooking gas supplies passed through the Strait of Hormuz.
The disruption has now triggered one of the most severe cooking gas supply challenges India has faced in decades, with LPG shipments through the crucial maritime route witnessing major interruptions.
Officials said India will consider sending vessels back to load fuel only when conditions in the region improve and maritime operations become safer. The government is continuing to assess developments while working to minimise the impact on domestic fuel availability and shipping operations.
