Two Indian-flagged LPG tankers, Pine Gas and Jag Vasant, are set to sail through the Strait of Hormuz in the coming days after anchoring in Gulf waters, per Kpler shipping data. No crude oil-loaded tankers have transited the vital waterway in the past 24 hours, signaling ongoing disruptions from Iranian threats.
Amid the U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran, maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz—handling 20% of global oil and LNG flows—has plummeted by over 95% since late February 2026. Hundreds of vessels remain anchored as Tehran warns of attacks on ships exiting the Gulf. This real-time update highlights risks to energy security, LNG imports, and LPG shipping routes.
Background on Strait Disruptions
Iran's Revolutionary Guards have enforced a de facto closure since early March, following missile strikes on Gulf neighbors hosting U.S. bases. Traffic has dropped to just 5-6 vessels daily from a pre-conflict average of 138, with most opting to wait or divert. Crude oil prices have surged past $100 per barrel due to fears over supply chains.
Indian Tankers Prepare to Sail
The Pine Gas, chartered by Indian Oil Corporation (IOC), and Jag Vasant, by Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL), signaled voyage preparations near Sharjah, UAE. Anchored post-pause, they could depart as early as Saturday, sources indicate. India advocates for safe passage of its 22 Gulf-trapped vessels, with PM Narendra Modi engaging global leaders.
Crude Oil Transit Halts
Market data confirms zero loaded crude tankers passed Hormuz in the last 24 hours; a U.S.-sanctioned empty tanker returned to Iranian waters on March 18. This underscores selective permissions amid sanctioned vessel scrutiny.
Key highlights
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Two LPG tankers: Pine Gas (IOC) and Jag Vasant (BPCL), loaded and anchored in Gulf
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No crude-loaded transits in 24 hours; 95% overall traffic drop since Iran war onset
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Hundreds anchored; Iran threatens attacks on outbound ships
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India pushes for unhindered fleet movement via diplomacy
Sources: Insurance Journal, Devdiscourse, Reuters