Full Breakdown
Sarv Shakti’s Rare Hormuz Transit Highlights India’s LPG Supply Challenges
5/3/2026, 11:52:19 PM
Core Event
On 2 May 2026 the Marshall Islands-flagged VLGC MT Sarv Shakti crossed the Strait of Hormuz, passing Iran’s Larak and Qeshm islands into the Gulf of Oman. Loaded with 45,000-46,000 tonnes of LPG and crewed by 20 (18 Indian), it is due at Visakhapatnam on 13 May, the first India-linked transit since the U.S. blockade halted most traffic.
Background & Timeline
- Early February the vessel entered the Persian Gulf and took on LPG off Dubai.
- 13 April the U.S. Treasury’s OFAC warned that seeking Iranian guarantees could trigger sanctions.
- 2 May it completed the Hormuz crossing, the first India-linked passage since the U.S. blockade after Israeli-U.S. strikes in late February has cut Hormuz traffic to near-zero, threatening India’s LPG imports that rely on 90 % of shipments through the strait.
- It is expected to dock on 13 May.
Data & Statistics
The cargo equals roughly half a day’s LPG demand. Domestic production rose 60 % to 54,000 tonnes while consumption fell 10,000 tonnes to 80,000 tonnes (Oil Minister Hardeep Puri). At the time, 13–14 Indian-flagged vessels were stranded west of Hormuz. The Directorate General of Shipping’s control room logged over 8,300 calls and 17,900 emails and has repatriated 3,000 seafarers. The shortage has sparked panic buying, long queues and reduced restaurant menus across Indian cities.
Official Statements & Responses
The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways confirmed safe passage, reported no incidents involving Indian ships in the prior 24 hours, and said ports operate normally. It is coordinating with the Ministry of External Affairs and Indian missions to safeguard crews. A shipping document lists Indian Oil Corp. as the cargo buyer.
Criticism & Opposition
The OFAC warning—“requesting assurances from the Iranian regime of safe passage in exchange for payments or non-aggression could result in sanctions regardless of nationality”—highlights concerns over financial deal with Iran. It is unclear whether Sarv Shakti paid a toll to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, which designated the route as an alternative passage.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources list the cargo weight as 45,000 tonnes, 46,313 tonnes, or 46,313 MT, and the number of stranded vessels as 13, 14, or “around 14.” The origin of the LPG remains unidentified, and no confirmation exists on toll payment to Iran.
Verbatim Quotes
- “requesting assurances from the Iranian regime of safe passage in exchange for payments or non-aggression could result in sanctions regardless of nationality.” — U.S. Treasury OFAC
- “India/Indian crew” — AIS broadcast
- “the volume of LPG carried by this tanker is equivalent to roughly half a day's consumption in India before the Middle East war broke out in late February,” — The Indian Express
What’s Next
India plans diplomatic clearances with Tehran, monitoring of Hormuz traffic, and maintenance of the 60 % boost in domestic LPG output to buffer future supply shocks.
