Mumbai, March 24: Amid the ongoing oil crisis, India has received promising news as several tankers from Saudi Arabia and the UAE are en route to its ports. This development comes as concerns over fuel supply have escalated due to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz amid the ongoing conflict between the US-Israel and Iran.
Currently, approximately 500 tankers are stranded in the Persian Gulf. This includes 108 crude oil tankers, 166 oil product tankers, 104 chemical/product tankers, 52 chemical tankers, and 53 other types of tankers.
In a bid to alleviate energy supply shortages, two LPG carriers from the UAE and one crude oil carrier from Saudi Arabia are heading towards India. Indian Navy Chief Dinesh Tripathi has canceled his official visits to Australia and New Zealand due to the escalating shipping crisis.
Reports indicate that Indian-flagged vessels, Pine Gas and Jag Vasant, departed from UAE ports at 6 AM on Monday. Iran has granted permission for these LPG carriers to pass through the Strait of Hormuz. Meanwhile, Indian Navy warships are providing security for these vessels in the Gulf of Oman for 24 hours.
How Much LPG is on Board?
Rajesh Kumar Sinha, Special Secretary of the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, announced in a press conference that both vessels carry approximately 92,000 tons of LPG. He stated, “The journey has commenced.” According to the shipping ministry, Jag Vasant is expected to arrive at Kandla Port on March 26, while Pine Gas may reach New Mangalore by March 28. Each vessel has 33 and 27 Indian sailors on board, respectively.
Crude Oil Tanker from Saudi Arabia
Additionally, a crude oil carrier named MT Kallista is currently loading oil at Saudi Arabia’s Yanbu port and is set to depart for Paradip Port in India via Jeddah on Tuesday. Coordinated by the Ministry of Petroleum, this Panama-flagged vessel will also pass through the Gulf of Aden, with the Indian Navy ensuring its safety.
Did Indian Tankers Pay Fees to Iran?
Despite reports suggesting that Iran charged hefty fees for vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz, India has not paid any fees for the passage of its LPG tankers. The Iranian embassy in India denied such claims on Monday.
The central government has instructed the Indian Navy to deploy Kolkata-class destroyers around the Gulf of Oman and the Gulf of Aden to ensure the safety of Indian-flagged vessels. Continuous communication is being maintained with the captains of all Indian-flagged ships to assure them that India stands by them during this crisis.
How Many Tankers Are Stranded?
It is noteworthy that around 500 tankers are currently stranded in the Persian Gulf due to the conflict between Iran and the US. This includes 108 crude oil tankers, 166 oil product tankers, 104 chemical/product tankers, 52 chemical tankers, and 53 other types of tankers. Analysts suggest that Iran may allow select vessels to pass through the strait after verification.
My name is Ganpat Singh Choughan. I am an experienced content writer with 7 years of expertise in the field. Currently, I contribute to Daily Kiran, creating engaging and informative content across a variety of categories including technology, health, travel, education, and automobiles. My goal is to deliver accurate, insightful, and captivating information through my words to help readers stay informed and empowered.
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