Indian LPG tankers prepare for Strait of Hormuz transit as crude oil shipments come to a standstill

Two Indian-flagged gas tankers prepare for Strait of Hormuz transit as crude oil shipments through the strategic waterway come to a complete 24-hour halt.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 20, 2026, 10:41 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from Reuters

Strategic Positioning Amidst a Maritime Standstill

Two Indian-flagged liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) tankers are currently preparing to navigate the Strait of Hormuz, marking a potential resumption of specialized energy voyages through the volatile waterway. According to recent shipping data from Kpler and industry sources, these vessels are anchored in Gulf waters as they await a window for safe passage. This movement comes at a critical time when the broader commercial shipping industry has largely retreated from the region due to escalating security risks. The preparation for these specific voyages suggests a prioritized effort to maintain the flow of cooking fuel, which remains a vital resource for millions of households across the Indian subcontinent.

The Total Cessation of Crude Oil Exports

In a stark contrast to the activity seen with the LPG carriers, the transit of crude oil tankers through the world’s most important energy chokepoint has reached a complete halt. Market assessments conducted on Friday confirmed that no crude oil voyages were recorded in the 24 hour period leading up to the report. This cessation of movement reflects a heightening of the de facto blockade that has gripped the region since the onset of hostilities earlier this month. While smaller, specialized vessels are beginning to test the waters under specific diplomatic or military conditions, the primary artery for global oil supply remains effectively clogged, placing unprecedented pressure on international energy markets.

Navigating the Complexities of International Sanctions

The current maritime environment is further complicated by the movement of vessels operating under international restrictions. Data reveals that a single empty crude oil tanker, currently under U.S. sanctions, was tracked returning through the Strait toward Iranian waters on March 18. According to shipping analysts, such movements highlight the narrow set of tolerated traffic that is still functioning while Western-linked commercial shipping has almost entirely withdrawn. The presence of sanctioned vessels underscores the dual nature of the current crisis, where the waterway remains "closed" to most global trade but continues to serve a limited number of Iranian-affiliated or diplomatically protected interests.