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First LNG Tanker Crosses Strait of Hormuz After Weeks of Disruption

The first LNG shipment since the West Asia conflict began has crossed the Strait of Hormuz, signaling a potential easing of energy supply disruptions. The tanker Mubaraz, loaded from Abu Dhabi, had been idle in the Persian Gulf for weeks before reappearing near India. Geopolitical tensions remain high, with US President Donald Trump reportedly unsatisfied with Iran's proposal. Oil prices continue to rise, with Brent crude reaching $109.46 per barrel.

Key Points: LNG Tanker Crosses Strait of Hormuz: Report

  • First LNG tanker crosses Strait of Hormuz since conflict began
  • Mubaraz loaded from Abu Dhabi, now heading to China
  • Ship movements had dropped near zero amid Iran-US tensions
  • Indian vessel Green Asha earlier crossed with LPG cargo
2 min read

First LNG tanker crosses Hormuz chokepoint after weeks of disruption: Report

First LNG shipment traverses Strait of Hormuz after weeks of disruption, easing global energy supply fears amid West Asia conflict.

"He doesn't love the proposal - US official on Iran's response to Trump"

New Delhi, April 28

The first liquefied natural gas shipment, since the West Asia conflict began on February 28, appeared to have traversed the Strait of Hormuz, signalling a potential breakthrough at a key global energy chokepoint, reports said on Tuesday, citing ship-tracking data.

The LNG tanker Mubaraz -- which loaded cargo from Abu Dhabi National Oil Co's Das Island facility in early March -- was passing the southern tip of India, according to the ship-tracking data.

The vessel had remained idle inside the Persian Gulf for weeks and had stopped transmitting signals around March 31, before reappearing west of India on Monday.

Global energy markets have been closely monitoring traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, through which roughly one-fifth of the world's LNG supply passes.

Moreover, ship movements had dropped to near zero over the previous two months amid escalating tensions and reciprocal blockades imposed by Iran and the United States.

At the time, the Mubaraz was signalling a terminal in China as its destination and was estimated to arrive by May 15, the data showed.

Earlier in April, tracking data had indicated an empty LNG tanker exiting the Strait of Hormuz.

However, no loaded LNG cargo had been confirmed to have made the transit until then.

Several vessels carrying Qatari LNG had approached the strait in recent weeks but had turned back amid persistent geopolitical tensions.

Notably, earlier in the month, Indian merchant vessel Green Asha had crossed the Strait of Hormuz and safely reached Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA) in Navi Mumbai with a cargo of 15,400 tonnes of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), according to the government.

Uncertainty around the geopolitical situation also remained, with US President Donald Trump reportedly not satisfied with Iran's proposal as it did not address the country's nuclear programme.

"He doesn't love the proposal," a US official said.

Trump had discussed the proposal with his top national security aides. The conflict remained at a stalemate, with energy supplies from the region affected.

However, Iran has reportedly offered to reopen the Strait of Hormuz if the US lifts its blockade and hostilities end.

In addition, oil prices remain elevated, with Brent crude rose 1 per cent to $109.46 per barrel, while US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) gained 1.22 per cent to $97.55.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

S
Sneha F
The Green Asha story is inspiring! Indian crew navigating through such tensions shows our maritime resilience. But honestly, the bigger question is how long this will last. The US-Iran standoff is worrying for all of us in India. 😟
A
Ashwin V
One tanker doesn't mean the crisis is over. The markets are still jittery and oil above $109 hurts our economy. We need to seriously push for renewable energy and strategic reserves. This is a wake-up call for India.
R
Riya H
The Mubaraz tanker going silent for weeks is scary. Can't imagine how the crew must have felt. Hats off to our Indian seafarers who keep trade flowing despite everything. But seriously, world leaders need to resolve this madness.
M
Manoj Q
Western media focuses on LNG, but we should also note our LPG supply came through. Still, the Trump administration's approach seems half-baked. 'Not satisfied with proposal' but no clear alternative? This hurts countries like India. 😤
G
Gaurav U
Every time there's trouble in the Gulf, India pays the price. Our dependence on imported oil and gas is a national security risk. The government talks about 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat' in energy but the reality on ground is very different. We need action, not just words.
P
Priyanka

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