New Delhi, May 14 (IANS): Two India-bound vessels carrying liquefied petroleum gas from the Persian Gulf have successfully transited the Strait of Hormuz despite ongoing tensions between the US and Iran, highlighting the gradual resumption of energy shipments through one of the world’s most critical maritime trade routes. The LPG carrier Symi, transporting fuel cargo from Qatar’s Ras Laffan port to Kandla in Gujarat, emerged in the Gulf of Oman on Thursday after temporarily switching off its transponder during transit, while another vessel, NV Sunshine, carrying LPG from the UAE’s Ruwais refinery and last tracked heading toward Mangalore in India, reportedly went dark shortly after crossing the strategic waterway. The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world’s most critical energy chokepoints, handling a major share of global crude oil, LNG, and fuel shipments including supplies destined for India, making the safe passage of these vessels a significant development amid the volatile security situation in the region.
Diplomatic efforts to resolve the US-Iran conflict continue to face serious hurdles, with US President Donald Trump earlier this month describing ceasefire efforts as being “on life support” and characterising Iran’s response to a US-backed peace proposal as “totally unacceptable.” In a post on Truth Social, Trump expressed clear dissatisfaction after reviewing Iran’s response, which was conveyed through Pakistan acting as a mediator between Tehran and Washington. The two sides remain divided on several key issues, with no breakthrough in sight despite ongoing diplomatic engagement. The successful transit of the two India-bound LPG vessels, however, offers a measure of reassurance that energy supply chains to India have not been entirely disrupted by the escalating tensions in West Asia.