Tehran/New Delhi: Two more LPG tankers flying the Indian flag have been cleared by Iran to depart the Persian Gulf and move towards the Arabian Sea through the Strait of Hormuz.
The Very Large Gas Carriers (VLGCs), BW TYR and GREEN SANVI are carrying over 90,000 metric tonnes of LPG. The ships are already in contact with Indian Navy warships positioned close to the Gulf of Oman.
“The Indian warships are keeping close watch on movement of these tankers. The movement is also being co-ordinated by Iranian authorities,” an official said.
The clearance from Iran has come as a big relief for India as the country is facing uncertainty about the regular supply of gas and oil since the start of the West Asia crisis.
Iran had earlier said that Indian tankers would be allowed to pass through the Strait. The movement of vessels from countries that have aided the US and Israel in the war will not be allowed through the narrow waterway though, Tehran has said.
Iran had earlier allowed the tankers Shivalik, Nanda Devi, Pine Gas, and Jag Vasant to cross the Strait, allowing a slow but steady flow of LPG to India despite challenging geopolitical conditions.
The BW TYR and GREEN SANVI are expected to reach Indian ports in the coming days. This will help ease domestic supply pressures and stabilise retail cooking gas availability for millions of households, while allowing greater supply of LPG to industry. The government on Friday increased the allocation of commercial LPG to 70%.
The clearance of these two ships reinforces the strong bilateral energy partnership between India and Iran, even amid the crisis, News18. It also signifies that despite regional uncertainties, India’s energy supply chains remain resilient.
