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Tharoor Warns West Asia Conflict Threatens India's LPG Supply, Peace Uncertain

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor expressed skepticism about imminent peace in West Asia, citing Iran's rhetoric and the deployment of US Marines. He highlighted the severe impact on India, which sources most of its LPG from the conflict-affected Gulf region, leading to shortages. The conflict, triggered by the killing of Iran's Supreme Leader, has disrupted vital trade routes through the Strait of Hormuz. While a report suggests US President Trump wants to end the war soon, Tharoor indicated the situation may worsen before improving.

Key Points: Tharoor on West Asia Conflict: Iran's Language Doesn't Suggest Peace

  • India imports 60% of its LPG, 90% from Gulf
  • 4,500 US Marines reportedly en route to region
  • Conflict disrupts Strait of Hormuz trade routes
  • Diesel and petrol prices could rise sharply
3 min read

"Language coming out of Iran doesn't suggest that peace is imminent": Shashi Tharoor on reports of peace talks in West Asia conflict

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor warns India's LPG supply is at risk as Iran's statements and US troop movements dim hopes for imminent peace in West Asia.

"The language coming out of Iran does not suggest that peace is imminent - Shashi Tharoor"

Kollam, March 26

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor on Thursday said that while there are reports of possible peace talks involving the United States, the situation in West Asia remains tense, with Iran's statements not suggesting an imminent resolution to the ongoing conflict.

He warned that the conflict could continuously disrupt vital energy supplies, with India importing 60 per cent of its LPG, 90 per cent of which comes from Qatar and the Gulf.

Speaking to ANI, Tharoor said, "There might be peace talks involving the US Vice President JD Vance, but I don't know because certainly the language coming out of Iran does not suggest that peace is imminent, and there are apparently 4,500 American Marines on the way to that area. There is a genuine risk that things may get worse before they get better...As a nation, we are very badly affected by a couple of things in particular. LPG, which we import 60 per cent of, and 90 per cent of that 60 per cent comes from Qatar and the Gulf. That is extremely serious. Gas cylinders in your kitchens, in the restaurants, and dhabas are all running short because of the war. The second challenge is going to be diesel and petrol prices, which are so far under some degree of control, but have gone up and could go up much more if the war is prolonged."

"The UN Secretary General has also issued an appeal for peace. I've been saying for two or three weeks that I hope we can take a stand on the matter. Yes, we are in favour of peace, but we are clearly not actively involved in promoting peace at the present moment," he said.

The ongoing conflict in West Asia has entered its fourth week, disrupting trade routes through the Strait of Hormuz. Tensions escalated following the killing of 86-year-old Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, in joint military strikes by the US and Israel on February 28.

In retaliation, Iran targeted Israeli and US assets across several Gulf countries, causing further disruptions to the waterway and impacting international energy markets as well as global economic stability.

Earlier, a Wall Street Journal report had suggested that US President Trump has told associates in recent days that he wants to avoid a protracted war in Iran and that he hopes to bring the conflict to an end in the coming weeks.

Citing people familiar with the matter, WSJ reported that Trump has privately informed advisors that he thinks the conflict is in its final stages, urging them to stick to the four-to-six-week timeline he has outlined publicly.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
As someone working in the logistics sector, the disruption at the Strait of Hormuz is a nightmare. Freight costs have skyrocketed. While peace talks are hopeful, the on-ground military movements (like those 4500 Marines) tell a different story. Stability is needed for global trade.
R
Rohit P
India's "balanced" foreign policy is being tested. We have good relations with both the Gulf and the US. We should use that position more actively to advocate for peace, as Tharoor suggests. Being a silent spectator isn't an option when our economy is so vulnerable.
P
Priya S
The petrol and diesel warning is scary. Just when prices seemed stable. This will have a ripple effect on the prices of everything from vegetables to bus tickets. Hope the authorities are preparing contingency plans.
K
Karthik V
With respect to Mr. Tharoor, I feel he is stating the obvious. Everyone knows the Gulf is volatile. The real question is what specific diplomatic steps India is taking behind the scenes. Our silence might be strategic, not passive.
M
Meera T
This is why energy independence is so crucial. We need to fast-track our solar and other renewable projects. Relying so heavily on imports from one unstable region is a national security risk. Jai Hind!

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