Deux transporteurs de GPL franchissent le détroit d'Ormuz en direction de l'Inde

The BW TYR and BW ELM, two Indian-flagged liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) tankers, have crossed the Strait of Hormuz carrying a combined cargo of approximately 94,000 tonnes, India's Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways announced Sunday. The BW TYR is heading to Bombay, while the BW ELM is bound for New Mangalore. These two transits add to four previous crossings already made by Indian-flagged vessels.

A strait under blockade since February 28

Iran has nearly halted maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz since February 28, when American-Israeli military strikes triggered the conflict. The strait is a critical artery for global crude oil and LPG exports. The impact of the blockade on gas markets has been felt well beyond the region, as illustrated by the 35% surge in European gas prices following Iranian strikes on Ras Laffan.

Despite these new crossings, 18 Indian-flagged vessels carrying 485 Indian sailors remain in the Gulf region, according to the ministry. The partial resumption of traffic remains fragile amid persistent tensions.

A structural dependence on regional imports

India is the world's fourth-largest buyer of liquefied natural gas (LNG) and the second-largest buyer of LPG, used primarily for cooking and sourced mainly from the Middle East. Facing ongoing supply disruptions, New Delhi has ordered reinforced controls on natural gas and cooking gas to prevent any strain on domestic supply.

India maintains close ties with Iran while having progressively strengthened its cooperation with Israel in defense, agriculture, technology, and cybersecurity. This dual stance places New Delhi in a diplomatically sensitive position amid a conflict involving two of its strategic partners.