In a major diplomatic breakthrough for India’s energy security, Iran has allowed two Indian-flagged LPG carriers to safely transit the Strait of Hormuz as of Saturday, March 14, 2026.
The move is expected to significantly ease the nationwide cooking gas crisis triggered by the U.S.-Israel-Iran war, which had effectively closed the world’s most vital energy chokepoint for the last 13 days.
The Vessels: “Shivalik” and “Nanda Devi”
The two tankers were among nearly 24 Indian-flagged vessels stranded west of the Strait since the conflict escalated on February 28.
- LPG Tanker Shivalik: Successfully crossed the Strait on Friday night (March 13). It is carrying approximately 55,000 metric tonnes of LPG (enough to meet nearly one day of India’s total national demand). It is expected to dock at an Indian port by March 21.
- LPG Tanker Nanda Devi: Confirmed to have safely exited the Strait following the Shivalik.
- Escort Status: While initial reports suggested an Indian Navy escort, the Navy has clarified that the vessels are moving under a diplomatic safe-passage agreement rather than a direct military convoy.
The Diplomatic Breakthrough
The “safe passage” was secured following high-level phone conversations between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, as well as several rounds of talks between External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and his Iranian counterpart.
- The “Friendship” Clause: Iranian Ambassador to India, Mohammad Fathali, explicitly cited the “longstanding friendship” between the two nations as the reason for the exception.
- Strategic Neutrality: Analysts view this as a success of India’s “multi-alignment” policy, allowing it to maintain energy flows even as the U.S. and Israel continue strikes against Iranian targets.
- Broader Transit: Negotiations are ongoing to secure similar passage for the remaining 22 Indian-flagged ships still in the Persian Gulf.
Impact on the Domestic Crisis
While the arrival of these ships is a relief, the “shadow” of the crisis remains visible across India this weekend.
| Impact Area | Status as of Saturday, March 14, 2026 |
| Commercial LPG | Still severely restricted; 75% of restaurants in major hubs like Bengaluru and Kochi have either shut down or switched to firewood/coal. |
| Household Supply | The government maintains that there is no “dry out” for homes, but the 25-day refill gap remains in force to prevent hoarding. |
| Law Enforcement | Massive crackdown on black marketing; 1,483 locations were raided in Lucknow yesterday alone, resulting in multiple arrests for hoarding cylinders. |
| Alternative Fuel | A sudden surge in firewood demand in Kerala has led to prices doubling at sawmills as eateries struggle to stay operational. |
What’s Next?
A Saudi Arabian crude oil tanker is also expected to reach the Indian coastline later today (March 14) after successfully navigating the Strait earlier this month. The Ministry of Petroleum has urged citizens to avoid “panic booking,” as the arrival of the Shivalik and Nanda Devi signals a stabilizing supply chain.
