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Five Indian LPG carriers carrying over 1.7 lakh tonnes of gas are stranded near the Strait of Hormuz amid Iran’s restrictions. Rising tensions in the region are disrupting shipping routes, raising concerns over global energy supply and prices.
1.7 Lakh Tonnes LPG Cargo Halted at Strait of Homruz (Image Source: Internet)
New Delhi: Amid escalating tensions in the Middle East, maritime traffic in the Strait of Hormuz has been disrupted. Five Indian ships, fully laden with LPG (gas), are currently stranded in the waters near Dubai and Ras Al Khaimah. All these vessels are transporting gas bound for India but are currently unable to proceed further.
These ships are carrying approximately 170,000 tons of LPG. According to reports, the vessels are anchored together so that they can move forward in unison as soon as an opportunity arises. However, on that very day, Iran tightened restrictions on ships traversing this route, thereby halting their movement.
Iran's military—specifically the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC)—has claimed to have turned back three ships. They assert that this route is closed to vessels belonging to nations considered to be their "enemies."
Iran has also alleged that Donald Trump provided false information by claiming the route remained open, whereas, in reality, it is not.
Iran has granted permission for ships from certain "friendly nations" to pass through this route. These include India, Russia, China, Pakistan, Iraq, and Thailand.
However, these vessels are required to navigate through a specific channel that passes near Larak Island. This passage is also being referred to as the "Tehran Toll Booth."
Some Indian ships have successfully and safely traversed this route, while the remaining vessels are still awaiting clearance. The situation remains fluid, and thus, the threat has not yet fully subsided.
The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world's most critical oil and gas shipping lanes. Any disruption in this region could have repercussions felt across the entire globe. LPG supplies in India could be disrupted. Oil and gas prices may rise. Global trade could be impacted.
This event demonstrates how war and political tensions directly affect the common people. If the situation does not improve soon, there is a likelihood of an energy crisis and rising inflation.
