“22 Indian Ships Stuck in Hormuz”
Crisis in the Strait Amid West Asia War – Report by Y-Trendz
New Delhi / Gulf Region — March 14, 2026:
The escalating conflict in West Asia has severely disrupted maritime trade routes, leaving around 22 Indian vessels stranded near the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most critical shipping corridors. The situation has triggered concerns about energy security, safety of
The crisis comes amid the ongoing Iran–US–Israel confrontation, which has led to heightened military activity and restrictions on maritime traffic in the narrow waterway linking the Persian Gulf to the Arabian Sea.
Strategic Importance of the Strait of Hormuz
The Strait of Hormuz is considered the most important oil transit chokepoint in the world. Roughly 20% of global oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG) shipments pass through this narrow channel between Iran and Oman. Any disruption to traffic here can immediately impact global energy markets.
For India, the stakes are particularly high because:
A significant portion of India’s crude oil imports originates in the Gulf region.
Nearly 90% of India’s LPG imports come from Middle Eastern suppliers.
With vessels unable to move safely through the strait, India faces the risk of delays in fuel and cooking gas supplies.
How the Crisis Began
Shipping traffic began slowing after military exchanges between Iran and US-Israel forces intensified across the Gulf region. Tehran imposed strict controls on ships entering the Strait of Hormuz as part of its response to the conflict.
As a result:
Commercial vessels were instructed to seek permission before crossing the strait.
Some ships halted operations due to security concerns and missile threats.
Insurance companies raised premiums sharply for vessels operating in the region.
The disruption quickly led to a backlog of ships waiting on both sides of the strait.
Number of Indian Ships Affected
According to Indian shipping authorities:
Around 28 Indian-flagged vessels were initially trapped near the Strait of Hormuz.
Of these, 24 ships were located west of the strait in the Persian Gulf, while four were on the eastern side.
Hundreds of Indian sailors were on board these ships.
Recent developments indicate that some ships have managed to move, reducing the number of stranded vessels to around 22 ships awaiting safe passage.
These vessels include:
Crude oil tankers
LPG carriers
Product tankers and cargo ships
Many of them are either transporting energy cargo to India or returning after unloading.
Two LPG Ships Allowed to Cross
In a significant development, Iran allowed two Indian LPG tankers to pass through the Strait of Hormuz after diplomatic engagement between New Delhi and Tehran.
The vessels — Shivalik and Nanda Devi — are carrying nearly 92,700 tonnes of liquefied petroleum gas and are heading toward ports in Gujarat.
One of the tankers crossed the strait under Indian naval escort, marking a rare exemption amid tight restrictions on shipping traffic.
These shipments are crucial because India is currently facing a tight LPG supply situation, with authorities prioritizing domestic cooking gas demand.
Indian Sailors at Risk
The shipping disruption has also highlighted the vulnerability of Indian seafarers working in the Gulf region.
Officials report:
Over 700 Indian sailors are currently on board the ships stranded near the strait.
Several casualties have already been reported during the conflict, with at least five Indians killed and another missing in the broader regional fighting.
The government has been monitoring the situation closely through the Directorate General of Shipping and diplomatic channels.
Government Response
The Indian government has initiated several steps to address the crisis:
1. Diplomatic Negotiations
India has opened direct talks with Iranian authorities to secure safe passage for its merchant vessels through the strait.
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has reportedly discussed the issue with his Iranian counterpart as part of ongoing diplomatic efforts.
2. Naval Monitoring
The Indian Navy has increased surveillance and escort operations in the Gulf region to protect Indian ships.
3. Emergency Supply Planning
Authorities are preparing contingency measures such as:
Importing LPG from alternative suppliers
Redirecting cargo shipments
Prioritizing domestic energy needs
Some companies have even started purchasing LPG from the United States at higher prices to compensate for delays caused by the Hormuz disruption.
Impact on India’s Energy Security
The Hormuz crisis has sparked fears of a major energy supply disruption for India.
Possible consequences include:
Delayed oil and gas shipments
Higher LPG and fuel prices
Increased shipping and insurance costs
Energy analysts warn that a prolonged conflict could force India to rely on more expensive alternative suppliers, significantly raising import bills.
Global Trade Shock
The shipping disruption is not limited to Indian vessels. Hundreds of ships from different countries have been affected as military activity increases in the Gulf region.
Because the Strait of Hormuz handles one-fifth of global oil trade, any prolonged closure or restriction could trigger:
Global oil price spikes
Supply shortages in energy-importing nations
Instability in global financial markets
Experts say even temporary disruptions in the strait can have ripple effects across the world economy.
What Happens Next
While some vessels have begun to move again, the situation remains volatile.
Key uncertainties include:
Whether Iran will fully reopen maritime traffic
The possibility of further military escalation
The safety of merchant ships and sailors in the Gulf
For India, ensuring the safe return of its ships and sailors remains a top priority.
✅ Conclusion
The crisis involving 22 Indian ships stuck near the Strait of Hormuz highlights how geopolitical tensions in West Asia can directly affect India’s energy security and maritime trade. As diplomacy continues and naval monitoring intensifies, New Delhi is racing against time to secure safe passage for its vessels while preparing for potential disruptions in fuel supplies.
The unfolding situation underscores the strategic importance of the Strait of Hormuz and the need for India to diversify its energy routes and strengthen maritime security in an increasingly unstable global environment.
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