India's 300,000 Metric Tons Of LPG Stranded In Strait Of Hormuz; Government Outlines 'Exit Plan' For Ships

New Delhi: Approximately 300,000 metric tons of India's Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) are currently stranded in the Strait of Hormuz. Rajesh Kumar Sinha, Special Secretary at the Ministry of Shipping, disclosed this information during a press briefing on Tuesday. According to data from the Ministry of Shipping, 22 Indian-flagged vessels are currently stranded in this region. These include 6 LPG carriers, 1 LNG tanker, 4 crude oil tankers, 1 chemical products carrier, 3 container ships, and 2 bulk carriers, among others.

What is the issue?

Rajesh Kumar Sinha explained that a single large vessel—specifically a Very Large Gas Carrier—can transport approximately 45,000 metric tons of LPG. Based on this, it is estimated that India's 6 vessels currently stranded in the Strait of Hormuz are carrying a combined total of 300,000 metric tons of LPG. Meanwhile, two Indian-flagged LPG tankers, the 'Shivalik' and the 'Nanda Devi,' safely transited the Strait of Hormuz on March 14 and have since arrived in India. These vessels were carrying approximately 92,700 metric tons of LPG.

Separately, a crude oil tanker named 'Jag Laadki' has also safely departed from Fujairah in the United Arab Emirates, carrying 81,000 metric tons of crude oil, and is now en route to India. Meanwhile, on Tuesday, India refuted reports claiming that New Delhi had discussed a "ship swap" arrangement with Iran in exchange for the safe extraction of its vessels from the Strait of Hormuz. Randhir Jaiswal, spokesperson for the Indian Ministry of External Affairs, clarified that no such discussions have taken place with Iran.

Are Negotiations Ongoing to Facilitate Passage Through Hormuz?

Earlier, a report by the news agency Reuters had claimed that Iran had offered to grant safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz to Indian-flagged vessels—or those bound for India—in exchange for the return of three seized tankers. However, India did acknowledge that it remains in constant contact with Iran and other nations to ensure the safe repatriation of other vessels currently stranded in the Strait of Hormuz region. Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated that several vessels are still present in the area, and the government's priority is to bring them back safely. To this end, discussions are ongoing with Iran and other concerned countries. He further noted that talks are also being held with officials there regarding issues related to providing humanitarian assistance to Iran.

Meanwhile, during a press briefing, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal also made reference to External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar's recent visit to Brussels. He informed that Mr. Jaishankar had been invited to attend the meeting of the European Union's Foreign Affairs Council, where he discussed global challenges in addition to India-EU relations. During this meeting, particular concern was expressed regarding the situation in West Asia—specifically amidst the conflict involving Iran—and its potential impact on energy security. The Foreign Ministers of European nations emphasized that a resolution to the current crisis is possible only through dialogue and diplomacy. Echoing this stance, India also underscored the importance of peace and stability in the region.

It is pertinent to note that on February 4, 2026, the Indian Coast Guard seized three oil tankers—identified as MT Asphalt Star (IMO 9463528), MT Al Jafjafah (IMO 9171498), and MT Stellar Ruby (IMO 9555199)—in the Arabian Sea off the coast of Mumbai. It is alleged that these tankers illegally transferred approximately 30 metric tons of Heavy Fuel Oil (HFO) to other vessels within India's Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), utilizing forged documents and without notifying any Indian authorities. However, the Indian Coast Guard has not yet disclosed the country of origin of these three tankers. Searches of these vessels, examination of electronic data, and interrogation of crew members revealed that they transported cheap oil from conflict-affected regions and transferred it from one ship to another in international waters.