Indian LPG Tankers ‘Shivalik’ and ‘Nanda Devi’ Safely Cross Strait of Hormuz, Set to Reach Ports Soon

New Delhi, March 2026 : Two Indian-flagged LPG tankers — Shivalik and Nanda Devi — have safely transited the strategically crucial Strait of Hormuz and are currently on their way to India carrying nearly 92,700 metric tonnes of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), the government said on Saturday.

Addressing a press briefing in the national capital, Rajesh Kumar Sinha, Special Secretary in the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, confirmed that the vessels are expected to arrive at Indian ports within the next few days.

According to Sinha, the tanker Shivalik is scheduled to reach Mundra Port on March 16, while Nanda Devi is expected to dock at Kandla Port on March 17. Both vessels are owned by the state-run Shipping Corporation of India and were part of a fleet of Indian ships operating in the Persian Gulf region.

“With the successful transit of these two vessels through the Strait of Hormuz, there are now 22 Indian-flagged ships remaining in the Persian Gulf, carrying a total of 611 Indian seafarers,” Sinha said.

Earlier, a total of 24 Indian-flagged vessels were operating west of the Strait of Hormuz. The safe passage of Shivalik and Nanda Devi has reduced that number as the ships continue their voyage towards Indian ports.

Officials also confirmed that all Indian seafarers operating in the region are safe, with no reports of any untoward incidents over the past 24 hours.

The development comes amid heightened tensions in the Middle East that have disrupted maritime traffic through the critical waterway. The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most vital shipping lanes, through which nearly 20 per cent of global oil and gas exports pass each day.

In a related development, Mohammad Fathali, Iran’s Ambassador to India, confirmed that Iran has allowed some Indian vessels to pass through the Strait, although he declined to disclose operational details.

“Yes, we have allowed them to pass, but I will not specify how many vessels. As the Ambassador of Iran to India, I will continue to follow this issue because Iran and India share historical relations,” Fathali said while speaking at the India Today Conclave in New Delhi.

He added that while there had been some delay in granting the passage, the matter was eventually resolved.

Government sources said the safe transit of the two LPG carriers came after diplomatic engagement between Narendra Modi and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian regarding the uninterrupted flow of goods and energy supplies.

Officials also confirmed that Shivalik is being escorted by the Indian Navy through sensitive maritime zones. The vessel has already reached open waters and is sailing safely under naval guidance.

Meanwhile, Nanda Devi is carrying over 46,000 metric tonnes of LPG, a critical component of India’s domestic energy supply chain.

According to data from the Directorate General of Shipping, Indian ships operating in the Persian Gulf were collectively transporting substantial energy cargo as of March 12. These included approximately 2,15,000 tonnes of liquefied natural gas (LNG), 4,15,000 tonnes of LPG, and about 17.5 lakh tonnes of crude oil.

Authorities said more LPG tankers are expected to follow in the coming days as India continues to coordinate safe maritime transit through the conflict-affected region.

The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways has intensified monitoring and preparedness measures to ensure the safety of Indian vessels and crew amid the evolving maritime situation in the Persian Gulf.

Officials emphasised that India remains closely engaged with regional stakeholders to safeguard shipping operations and maintain the steady flow of energy supplies through the strategically vital corridor.

(The content of this article is sourced from a news agency and has not been edited by the Mavericknews30 team.)