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India Denies Talks with Iran on Hormuz Transit Levy, Tracks Ships

The Indian government has firmly denied as baseless any reports of discussions with Iran regarding a transit levy for passage through the strategic Strait of Hormuz. Officials confirmed that 16 Indian vessels operating west of the strait are being closely monitored, with two LPG carriers having safely crossed the route. On the energy front, while LPG imports have declined, steps are being taken to bridge the gap and ensure supply continuity. Meanwhile, over 730,000 Indians have returned to the country since late February amid the regional geopolitical situation.

Key Points: India Denies Iran Talks on Hormuz Levy, Tracks Vessels

  • Govt denies Iran talks on Hormuz levy
  • 16 Indian vessels tracked west of strait
  • Two LPG carriers safely crossed route
  • LPG imports see some decline
  • Over 7.3 lakh Indians returned since Feb 28
2 min read

No talks with Iran on Hormuz transit levy, reports baseless: Govt

India dismisses reports of talks with Iran on a Strait of Hormuz transit levy. Officials confirm tracking of Indian ships and detail LPG imports.

"The government is not aware of any such development - Mukesh Mangal"

New Delhi, April 6

The government on Monday dismissed reports suggesting that India was in discussions with Iran over imposing a transit levy through the Strait of Hormuz, calling such claims baseless and without any foundation.

Speaking on the issue, Mukesh Mangal, Additional Secretary in the Ministry of Shipping, clarified that India has held no talks with Iran regarding any levy for passage through the Strait of Hormuz.

"The government is not aware of any such development, seeking to allay concerns amid heightened tensions in the region," he stated.

Providing an update on maritime movement, Mangal said that 16 Indian vessels operating west of the Strait of Hormuz are being closely tracked.

"LPG carriers Green Sanvi and Green Asha have safely crossed the critical shipping route and are expected to arrive in India on April 7 and April 9, respectively," he added.

The two vessels are carrying 46,500 tonnes and 15,500 tonnes of LPG, ensuring continuity in energy supplies.

On the energy front, Sujata Sharma, Joint Secretary in the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, noted that LPG imports have seen some decline while domestic production remains limited.

However, she emphasised that steps are being taken to bridge the gap, adding that imports from countries like the US continue to be driven by commercial considerations.

She also highlighted that gas supply to fertiliser plants has been increased to 90 per cent, while city gas distributors across the country are receiving an additional 10 per cent allocation to support demand.

Meanwhile, Aseem R. Mahajan, Additional Secretary (Gulf) in the Ministry of External Affairs, said that around 7.3 lakh Indians have returned to the country since February 28 amid the evolving geopolitical situation in the region.

He also noted that Qatar Airways is operating between eight and ten flights to India on Monday to facilitate travel.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
The real story is the safe passage of those LPG carriers. With domestic production limited, every shipment is crucial for our kitchens and industries. Hope the government has a solid backup plan if tensions escalate further.
R
Rohit P
7.3 lakh Indians brought back safely is the most important number here. Our diplomats are doing a great job. Jai Hind!
S
Sarah B
While the clarification is welcome, I wish there was more transparency on the "commercial considerations" driving imports from the US. Are we getting the best deal for the taxpayer, or is there a premium being paid for geopolitical reasons?
K
Karthik V
The increased gas supply to fertiliser plants and city gas is a very positive step. This will help control prices for farmers and for CNG vehicles. Good proactive thinking.
N
Nikhil C
Tracking 16 vessels shows we are on top of the situation. But we must reduce our dependence on this volatile choke point in the long run. Invest more in renewables and diversify supply routes.

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