The Indian-flagged LPG carrier MT Shivalik has successfully navigated out of the Strait of Hormuz after being stranded for nearly two weeks due to regional tensions. The vessel, carrying up to 54,000 metric tonnes of LPG, cleared the passage on the night of March 13, 2026. This development brings significant relief to India’s domestic cooking gas supply chain. Following high-level diplomatic talks, the ship is now in open waters and heading toward the Indian coastline.
How Diplomatic Efforts Secured Safe Passage
The safe exit of the MT Shivalik comes as a direct result of active diplomatic engagement between India and Iran. Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a telephone conversation with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on March 12 to discuss the safe transit of Indian vessels. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar also maintained continuous contact with his Iranian counterpart during the two-week period.
Following these talks, Iran’s Ambassador to India, Mohammad Fathali, confirmed that safe passage was granted as a diplomatic exception due to the strong friendly ties between the two nations. Furthermore, naval officials confirmed that the Indian Navy is continuously monitoring the maritime route to ensure the overall safety of all Indian merchant ships operating in the region.
Current Status of LPG Supply and Other Ships
While MT Shivalik is safely on its way, a second Indian-flagged vessel named MT Nanda Devi is expected to clear the Strait very soon. Reports indicate that other tankers, including MT Pushpak and MT Parimal, are also moving through the corridor following diplomatic clearances. The Ministry of Shipping is coordinating with the Directorate General of Shipping to track 28 Indian-flagged ships currently in the region.
The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas assured the public that there are no stockouts of LPG among Indian distributors. The cargo brought by MT Shivalik covers nearly one full day of India’s total LPG import requirements. Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri informed Parliament that while 70 percent of crude imports now come via alternative routes, LPG remains sensitive to Middle Eastern supply chains. Officials advised citizens to avoid panic booking as the government maintains adequate domestic reserves.
Key Details of the Ship Transit
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Primary Vessel | MT Shivalik (LPG Carrier) |
| Secondary Vessel | MT Nanda Devi (Expected shortly) |
| Date of Exit | March 13, 2026 |
| Cargo Amount | Approximately 54,000 Tonnes of LPG |
| Official Source | Ministry of Shipping and Iranian Embassy |
| Route Status | Safe passage granted by Iran |
