Around 18 Indian-flagged ships carrying crude oil and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) are stranded near the Strait of Hormuz due to ongoing tensions linked to the Iran conflict. The situation has raised concerns over energy supply and maritime safety in one of the world’s busiest shipping lanes.
Officials said the affected vessels include oil tankers and gas carriers transporting essential fuel supplies to India. In addition to these, several foreign-flagged ships carrying cargo meant for India are also unable to move freely in the region due to security restrictions.
The Strait of Hormuz is a crucial global trade route, handling a significant share of the world’s oil and gas shipments. However, the ongoing conflict has disrupted normal vessel movement, with stricter controls and delays being reported. Ships are currently being allowed to pass only after coordination, leading to a backlog of vessels waiting to cross.
Despite the disruption, some ships have managed to move. Authorities confirmed that a few Indian vessels have successfully crossed the strait in recent days and are heading towards Indian ports. However, a large number of ships remain stranded, waiting for clearance.
The Indian government is closely monitoring the situation, with a focus on ensuring the safety of crew members. Hundreds of Indian seafarers are on board these vessels, and officials have stated that they are safe at present. There have been no reports of any direct attacks on Indian ships so far.
The conflict has also impacted overall shipping activity in the region. Many vessels are either waiting or taking alternative routes due to safety concerns and rising insurance costs. This has increased pressure on global energy supply chains, particularly for countries like India that rely heavily on imports from West Asia.
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