As diplomatic engagements between the United States and Iran continue over the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz, tracking data shows that at least 20 Indian-flagged vessels remain positioned to the west of this crucial maritime chokepoint. These include two LPG carriers and four crude oil tankers, with the LPG cargo alone estimated to be enough to fill nearly 48 lakh domestic cylinders.
A temporary easing of tensions came when both countries agreed to a two-week ceasefire shortly before the deadline set by former US President Donald Trump expired. As part of this arrangement, Iran agreed to reopen the Strait on a temporary basis. Although a proposed 10-point framework has been described as a workable foundation for negotiations, clearer details are expected to emerge only after further discussions scheduled to take place in Islamabad.
Despite the ceasefire, shipping traffic through the Strait has not yet returned to its normal pace. Vessel tracking comparisons indicate that several Indian ships have gradually moved eastward from the western Persian Gulf and are now stationed near Khasab, forming a scattered holding pattern that suggests they are waiting for clearance before proceeding through the passage.
The two LPG tankers near Hormuz, BW Loyalty and Jag Vikram, have deadweight capacities of 55,056 tonnes and 26,427 tonnes, respectively. Based on typical loading patterns, BW Loyalty is estimated to be carrying around 46,000 metric tonnes of LPG, which translates to approximately 32.4 lakh domestic cylinders. Jag Vikram is estimated to hold about 22,080 metric tonnes, equivalent to roughly 15.5 lakh cylinders. Together, these vessels could supply nearly 48 lakh cylinders.
In addition, four crude oil tankers—Desh Vaibhav, Desh Suraksha, Desh Vibhor, and Desh Garima—are also waiting near the Strait. Using standard loading estimates, Desh Vaibhav is believed to be carrying about 155,212 metric tonnes of crude oil, equivalent to around 11.38 lakh barrels. Desh Suraksha is estimated at 56,306 metric tonnes or 4.13 lakh barrels, Desh Vibhor at 155,323 metric tonnes or 11.39 lakh barrels, and Desh Garima at 56,309 metric tonnes or 4.13 lakh barrels.
Unlike LPG, crude oil is not directly consumed but must first be refined into usable products such as petrol, diesel, aviation turbine fuel, kerosene, naphtha, and other petrochemicals. Therefore, the cargo carried by these tankers is intended for processing in refineries before being distributed for domestic and industrial use.
India’s Ministry of External Affairs has stated that several vessels have already crossed the Strait, and efforts are ongoing in coordination with Gulf countries to ensure the safe return of the remaining ships. Eight LPG tankers have successfully passed through the chokepoint following diplomatic engagement, along with at least three crude carriers and other vessels.
However, some ship movements do not necessarily indicate a complete reopening of the Strait. For instance, certain vessels linked directly to Iranian trade routes have been observed moving toward checkpoints near Qeshm and Larak Islands, suggesting that while limited transit has resumed, full operational normalcy in the Strait of Hormuz has yet to be restored.
