Iran Clears Passage of Two LPG Tankers Through Hormuz for India

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 In a significant development for India’s energy supply chain, Iran has cleared the passage of two Indian-flagged liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) carriers through the strategic Strait of Hormuz. The move comes at a crucial time when India has been experiencing delays in LPG shipments and growing pressure on domestic cooking gas supplies.

The decision followed high-level diplomatic engagement between Narendra Modi, the Prime Minister of India, and Masoud Pezeshkian, the President of Iran. According to reports, the Iranian authorities allowed the two LPG carriers to transit the narrow but vital shipping corridor only hours after the leaders held a phone conversation. The development has been widely seen as a positive sign of cooperation that could help stabilize LPG supply to India.



Relief Amid LPG Supply Pressure

India’s domestic LPG situation has been under pressure in recent days. Delays in tanker arrivals have disrupted the supply chain in several regions, resulting in shortages and longer waiting times for both household and commercial LPG cylinders. As LPG is the primary cooking fuel for millions of Indian households, even short disruptions can quickly affect daily life.
The clearance of the two tankers through the Strait of Hormuz is expected to ease the immediate supply concerns. Since a large portion of India’s LPG imports pass through this strategic maritime route, smooth transit is essential to maintain a stable flow of fuel into the country.


Why India Does Not Maintain Large LPG Reserves ?

While India maintains strategic reserves of crude oil, it does not have large-scale long-term storage reserves for LPG. The main reason lies in the physical and safety characteristics of the fuels.

Crude oil is relatively easier to store. It remains in liquid form at room temperature, has lower risks of explosion under normal storage conditions, and can be stored in large underground caverns or tanks. India has already developed such storage facilities in places like Visakhapatnam, Mangaluru, and Padur, which hold strategic crude oil reserves to safeguard energy security.

LPG, however, is a mixture of propane and butane gases. To store LPG in large quantities, it must be kept in highly pressurized tanks or specialized refrigerated storage systems. Building and maintaining such facilities is extremely expensive, often costing millions of dollars. In addition, safety remains a major concern because LPG is highly flammable and requires strict handling and storage standards.

Global LPG Storage Capacity

Only a few countries maintain very large LPG reserves capable of meeting domestic demand for several months. These include the United States, China, Japan, and South Korea. These nations have invested heavily in advanced storage infrastructure and strategic energy planning.
India does maintain LPG storage facilities, but they generally cover only a few weeks of demand rather than several months. This makes the country more dependent on continuous imports and smooth maritime transport routes.

Conclusion

 Iran’s decision to allow two Indian LPG tankers to pass through the Strait of Hormuz provides timely relief for India’s strained cooking gas supply. The development also highlights the importance of diplomatic engagement and secure maritime routes in maintaining energy stability. At the same time, it brings renewed attention to India’s need to gradually expand its LPG storage infrastructure to better withstand supply disruptions in the future.
Location: Khuda lahora, CHANDIGARH

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