New Delhi: In a timely gesture of camaraderie amid India’s escalating LPG shortage, Iran has granted passage to two Indian-flagged liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) tankers through the vital Strait of Hormuz, potentially easing the burden on millions facing long queues and supply disruptions.
The decision comes as a major boost for energy-starved India, where the crisis has sparked widespread concern. Iran’s Ambassador to India, Mohammad Fathali, confirmed the development, emphasising the deep-rooted ties between the two nations. “We believe that Iran and India are friends. We have common interests; we have the same faith,” Fathali stated, highlighting shared values and mutual support.
Recalling India’s assistance to Iran in post-war scenarios, the ambassador noted, “In the post-war situation, the Indian government has assisted us in various sectors.” He assured swift action, adding, “Yes, you can see this in the future. I think in two to three hours”, signalling an imminent resolution to the tanker impasse.
The Strait of Hormuz, a narrow waterway connecting the Persian Gulf to the Arabian Sea, handles a fifth of global oil and gas transit, making it a choke point for international energy flows. Disruptions here have rippled through markets, hitting India’s imports hard, particularly affecting the availability and prices of essential commodities such as fuel and cooking gas. With this clearance, the tankers can now deliver crucial LPG supplies, offering respite to households and industries alike.
This move underscores the enduring Indo-Iranian partnership, built on economic synergies and cultural affinities, even as geopolitical tensions simmer in the region.