LPG tanker tied to Iranian trade signals Indian ownership

(MENAFN) A liquefied petroleum gas tanker previously associated with Iranian cargo shipments passed through the Strait of Hormuz on Monday while publicly identifying its owners and crew as Indian, according to maritime tracking information.

Tracking data showed the vessel, Tara Gas, traveling northeast from waters near Dubai and moving close to Iran’s Larak Island, suggesting it was navigating through a maritime corridor authorized by Tehran.

Data related to the ship’s draft indicated the tanker was carrying a full load, although tracking services did not identify where the cargo originated. LPG is commonly used for household cooking fuel as well as in petrochemical industries.

The voyage comes as ships stranded in the Persian Gulf increasingly seek methods to secure safe transit through the strategic waterway, including highlighting national affiliations or depending on diplomatic coordination between their governments and Iranian authorities.

According to market reports, countries including India, Thailand and Malaysia have engaged in discussions with Tehran aimed at facilitating the movement of energy cargoes.

Reports citing shipping and energy analytics data stated that Tara Gas had previously transported Iranian shipments, including an LPG cargo loaded in Iran earlier this year and later unloaded at a Chinese port in February.

Additional tracking information reportedly showed the tanker entering the Persian Gulf through the Strait of Hormuz on May 2.

The passage also highlights increasing risks faced by ships previously linked to Iranian cargo once they move beyond Hormuz, as US forces continue enforcing a blockade targeting Iranian maritime traffic in the Gulf of Oman.

US Central Command said Sunday that American forces had redirected 61 vessels and disabled four ships since the naval blockade began in mid-April.

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