The ongoing conflict involving the United States, Israel, and Iran has left several Indian ships stranded near the Strait of Hormuz, raising concerns over cargo safety, crew security and energy supplies. According to a report by Khaleej Times, around 37 Indian-flagged vessels are currently stuck in the region, with shipping assets worth over Rs 100 billion (nearly Dh4 billion) exposed to growing security risks. Many of these vessels are oil or gas carriers transporting crude oil and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) to Indian ports.
The Indian National Shipowners’ Association (INSA) has written to the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways seeking urgent government intervention. According to the report, the ships are trapped due to what the association described as a “blocked style closure” of the vital shipping route.
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The shipowners’ body also asked the government to clarify reports suggesting that Chinese and Iranian ships are still moving through the strait, which has created confusion among Indian operators about whether it is safe to sail, the report added.
LPG Imports At Risk
The association warned that the situation could affect India’s fuel supplies.
Around 85% of India’s LPG imports pass through the Strait of Hormuz, meaning prolonged disruption could create supply challenges.
INSA also requested the government to ensure that Indian-flagged vessels receive safe passage and that the safety of crew members is protected.
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Missile Threats and Attacks
The association said that three Indian tankers have already been attacked since the conflict began on February 28. One vessel narrowly escaped a missile strike.
According to Lloyd’s List Intelligence, nearly 200 internationally trading crude and product tankers are currently stranded in Gulf waters.
INSA Chief Executive Anil Devli said around 400 Indian seafarers are currently aboard Indian-flagged oil tankers and gas carriers operating in the region.
Strait of Hormuz: A Critical Global Route
The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most important energy transit routes.
Nearly 20% of global oil and gas exports pass through the narrow waterway between Oman and Iran.
India is particularly vulnerable because around 40% of its crude oil imports and more than 50% of its liquefied natural gas (LNG) imports pass through the route.
Freight and Insurance Costs Rising
The conflict has also increased shipping costs.
War-risk insurance premiums for ships travelling through the strait have surged sharply.
Devli warned that insurance costs could almost double.
“Freight rates have already zoomed up and many operators are reluctant to accept new orders,” he added.
Exports Also Affected
The disruption is also affecting Indian exports.
According to NDTV Profit, billions of dollars worth of exports from India to Central Asian countries are stuck in ports or on ships.
Deepak Kumar, exporter and Director of Fortune Rice Limited, said cargo ships are avoiding the route.
“Only a few ships are currently transiting the Strait of Hormuz because the risk of damage from the war is high. Most cargo ships are parked in safe zones near major ports in Central Asian countries.”
Oil Prices Remain Volatile
The conflict has also triggered sharp swings in global oil prices.
Brent crude briefly surged close to $120 per barrel, the highest level in years, amid fears that oil exports from the Gulf could be disrupted. Prices later eased to around $92–$95 per barrel, while US crude fell to about $90 per barrel, according to recent market reports.
Analysts say oil markets remain highly volatile as traders closely watch developments around the Strait of Hormuz and the broader Middle East conflict.
