Indian LPG Tanker Green Asha Crosses Strait of Hormuz: 8th Since March Crisis
Why in News?
The Indian-flagged LPG tanker Green Asha successfully crossed the Strait of Hormuz on April 5, becoming the eighth India-flagged merchant vessel to do so since early March 2026. Carrying around 20,000 tonnes of LPG, the transit comes amid the ongoing US-Iran conflict that has restricted shipping through this vital chokepoint. After its departure, 16 India-flagged vessels are now present in the Persian Gulf, showing India’s continued efforts to keep LPG supplies flowing despite the restrictions.
Key Points
Green Asha, a mid-sized gas carrier (MGC) owned by MOL India (part of Japan’s Mitsui OSK Lines), crossed the Strait at around 3:30 pm Indian time on April 5.
It is the 8th Indian-flagged vessel to transit the Strait since the conflict began in late February 2026.
The tanker is carrying approximately 20,000 tonnes of LPG and is now heading towards Indian ports.
After Green Asha’s crossing, there are now 16 India-flagged vessels in the Persian Gulf region.
Seven other Indian LPG tankers that crossed earlier were Very Large Gas Carriers (VLGCs), each carrying a little over 45,000 tonnes on average.
Indian ships are navigating a narrow corridor in Iranian territorial waters between Larak, Qeshm and Hormuz islands, in coordination with Iranian authorities.
India’s annual LPG consumption is about 33 million tonnes; nearly 60% is imported, and around 90% of these imports normally pass through the Strait of Hormuz.
Explained
What is the Strait of Hormuz and why is it called a maritime chokepoint?
The Strait of Hormuz is a narrow sea passage between Iran and Oman that connects the Persian Gulf to the Arabian Sea and the Indian Ocean. It is only about 21 nautical miles wide at its narrowest point. Because it is easy to control from one side and carries huge volumes of oil and gas, experts call it a “chokepoint”. Normally, nearly 20% of the world’s oil supply and a large share of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) pass through this strait every day. Any problem here quickly affects global energy prices and supplies.
Why is the Strait of Hormuz so important for India’s energy security?
India imports about 60% of the LPG it uses every year. Of these imports, nearly 90% come from countries around the Persian Gulf and must travel through the Strait of Hormuz. This means almost 54% of India’s total LPG supply depends on this single route. India’s daily LPG consumption before the current crisis was around 90,000 tonnes. Any long disruption raises household cooking gas prices and creates shortages across the country.
What is LPG and why does India need so much of it?
Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) is a clean and convenient cooking fuel made mainly from propane and butane. India has more than 330 million LPG connections, including many given to poor families under the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana. Reliable LPG supply helps reduce smoke from traditional firewood stoves, improves women’s health, and supports daily life in both cities and villages. When prices or supplies are disturbed, it directly affects inflation and the cost of living.
What type of ship is Green Asha and how does it operate?
Green Asha is a mid-sized gas carrier (MGC) with a deadweight tonnage of 26,000 tonnes. These ships are smaller than Very Large Gas Carriers (VLGCs) and can carry 20,000–40,000 tonnes of LPG. They are useful because they can enter more ports and handle mixed cargoes. The ship is operated by MOL India, a subsidiary of Japan’s Mitsui OSK Lines, but flies the Indian flag and has an Indian crew.
How has India managed shipping through the restricted Strait?
India has adopted a “responsible approach”. Ships coordinate directly with Iranian authorities and follow a specific safe route inside Iranian territorial waters. The government has also taken extra precautions for Indian seafarers and ships. At the same time, India is increasing domestic LPG production, building buffer stocks, and buying more LPG from other countries like the USA to reduce dependence on the Gulf route.
What are the larger lessons for India’s energy strategy?
This situation shows how one narrow sea passage can affect the daily lives of crores of Indians. It reminds us why energy security is important and why India must keep diversifying its import sources, increase domestic production, and maintain good relations with all countries in the region. For UPSC aspirants, this is a practical example of how geography, international relations, and economy are connected through maritime chokepoints.
Mains Question
The restrictions in the Strait of Hormuz amid the 2026 West Asia conflict have exposed vulnerabilities in India’s energy supply chains. In this context, discuss the strategic importance of maritime chokepoints for India and evaluate the steps India should take to strengthen its long-term energy security while maintaining balanced relations in the region.