18 India-Flagged Ships Carrying Energy Supplies Stranded Near Strait of Hormuz Amid West Asia Conflict

A growing crisis in West Asia has disrupted global shipping routes, leaving several India-bound vessels stranded near the Strait of Hormuz. The situation poses serious concerns for India’s energy security and maritime operations.

Dozens of Ships Stranded Amid Escalating Conflict

The ongoing conflict in West Asia has severely impacted maritime movement, particularly around the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz. According to the Indian government, at least 18 India-flagged vessels carrying essential energy supplies such as crude oil, liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), and liquefied natural gas (LNG) are currently stranded in the region.

In addition to these, at least 10 foreign-flagged ships transporting energy cargo bound for India are also stuck in the Persian Gulf. These disruptions highlight the vulnerability of global energy supply chains in times of geopolitical instability.

Breakdown of Stranded Energy Cargo

Officials have provided detailed insights into the cargo carried by the affected vessels. Among the 10 foreign-flagged ships, three are transporting LPG, four are crude oil tankers, and three are LNG carriers.

Similarly, among the 18 Indian-flagged vessels, three are LPG tankers, one is an LNG carrier, and four are crude oil tankers. One additional tanker, currently empty, is in the process of being filled with LPG. These vessels collectively represent a significant portion of India’s incoming energy supplies.

Furthermore, approximately 485 Indian seafarers are onboard these ships, making their safety a top priority for authorities.

High-Risk Maritime Zone Expands Beyond Hormuz

The situation is not confined solely to the Strait of Hormuz. Officials have emphasized that surrounding areas have also been classified as high-risk zones due to escalating tensions in the region.

The conflict, which intensified following military actions involving the United States, Israel, and Iran, has created widespread uncertainty. As a result, over 500 ships have reportedly been affected in and around the narrow maritime corridor.

Insurance Premiums Surge Amid Rising Risks

One of the immediate consequences of the conflict has been a sharp rise in insurance premiums for vessels operating in the region. Before the escalation, premiums were as low as 0.04% of the insured value.

However, due to the heightened risk, premiums have surged dramatically, reaching up to 0.7% in certain cases. Industry experts warn that these costs could rise further if the conflict continues, ultimately increasing the price of energy imports for countries like India.

Government Prioritises Safe Passage for Indian Ships

The Indian government has made it clear that ensuring the safe passage of India-flagged vessels is its top priority. Authorities are actively engaging in diplomatic efforts to secure transit permissions through the Strait of Hormuz.

Iran has recently indicated that “non-hostile vessels” may be allowed to pass through the strait, provided they coordinate with Iranian authorities. This development offers a glimmer of hope, although the situation remains volatile.

Eight Indian Ships Successfully Cross Hormuz

Despite the challenging conditions, some progress has been made. Eight Indian-flagged vessels have successfully navigated through the strait in recent days.

Among them are two LPG carriers—BW TYR and BW ELM—which together transported approximately 94,000 tonnes of LPG. These ships have safely crossed the conflict zone and are currently en route to Indian ports.

BW TYR is expected to arrive in Mumbai by March 31, while BW ELM is heading towards New Mangalore with an anticipated arrival on April 1. These successful transits provide some relief amid the ongoing crisis.

Focus Remains on Evacuating Stranded Vessels

Government officials have clarified that the immediate focus is on ensuring the safe exit of stranded Indian vessels rather than sending additional ships to the Gulf region.

Although there has been speculation about deploying ships that have already discharged cargo to pick up new supplies, authorities have stated that such decisions will only be considered once the current situation stabilizes.

Safety of Indian Seafarers Under Close Watch

The safety of Indian seafarers remains a critical concern. Officials have confirmed that all Indian crew members in the region are currently safe, and no incidents involving Indian-flagged vessels have been reported in the past 24 hours.

Additionally, the situation has remained relatively stable over the past 72 hours, offering cautious optimism. Continuous monitoring is being carried out to ensure the well-being of crew members and the security of vessels.

Recent Safe Arrivals Offer Some Relief

In recent weeks, several Indian-flagged ships have successfully delivered their cargo despite the tense situation. LPG tankers such as Pine Gas and Jag Vasant transported over 92,000 tonnes of LPG and reached Indian ports between March 26 and 28.

Earlier, vessels like MT Shivalik and MT Nanda Devi had delivered nearly 93,000 tonnes of LPG to ports in Gujarat. Similarly, the oil tanker Jag Laadki delivered over 80,000 tonnes of crude oil from the UAE to Mundra.

These successful operations demonstrate the resilience of India’s maritime logistics even during crises.

Strategic Importance of Hormuz for India

The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most critical energy corridors. A significant portion of global oil and gas trade passes through this narrow waterway.

For India, the dependency is particularly high. Around 40% of its crude oil imports, more than 50% of LNG supplies, and nearly 90% of LPG imports pass through this route. Any disruption in this corridor has direct implications for the country’s energy security and economic stability.

Diplomatic Efforts Underway

India is actively engaging with Iran and other stakeholders to ensure the safe movement of its vessels. Diplomatic channels are being used to negotiate transit permissions and minimize disruptions.

Given the strategic importance of the region, maintaining stable relations and open communication lines is crucial for safeguarding India’s energy interests.

Conclusion

The ongoing conflict in West Asia has created a complex and challenging environment for global shipping, particularly in the Strait of Hormuz. With multiple India-bound vessels stranded and energy supplies at risk, the situation underscores the fragile nature of global energy networks.

While successful transits and stable conditions in recent days offer some reassurance, the evolving geopolitical scenario continues to demand close monitoring and proactive measures from the Indian government.