DAHEJ, INDIA — India received its first liquefied natural gas (LNG) cargo through the reopened Strait of Hormuz on Friday, marking a significant step in the resumption of energy shipments through one of the world's most important maritime chokepoints following months of disruption linked to conflict in West Asia, officials said.
The LNG carrier Disha arrived at Dahej port in the western state of Gujarat carrying about 62,000 metric tonnes of LNG, according to Indian government officials and port-related reports. The vessel, managed by a consortium led by the Shipping Corporation of India and chartered by Petronet LNG, was among the first commercial ships to transit the Strait of Hormuz after shipping activity resumed in the waterway.
The arrival follows the reopening of the strait after an agreement between the United States and Iran aimed at ending hostilities that had disrupted maritime traffic in the Gulf region. The Strait of Hormuz is a critical route for global oil and gas exports, including supplies destined for India from Gulf producers such as Qatar.
Indian shipping officials had earlier confirmed that Disha had safely transited the strait and was expected to reach Dahej after completing its voyage from the Gulf. “As we speak now, LNG carrier Disha has safely transited the Strait of Hormuz,” Upesh Kumar Sharma, a director at India's Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, told reporters earlier this week.
The conflict-related disruption had affected energy shipments and commercial shipping across the region. Industry participants remained cautious even after the reopening announcement, with many shipping companies seeking additional assurances regarding navigation safety and insurance coverage before resuming normal operations.
India relies heavily on imported LNG to meet domestic gas demand, with a substantial share of those supplies originating in the Gulf and typically passing through the Strait of Hormuz. The resumption of LNG deliveries is therefore closely watched by energy companies, traders and policymakers.
Indian authorities said they continue to coordinate with shipping companies, diplomatic missions and maritime agencies to monitor vessel movements and ensure the safety of Indian seafarers operating in the region. Port operations in India remain normal, officials said.
As of Friday, shipping traffic through the Strait of Hormuz was gradually resuming, although industry groups and vessel operators continued to assess conditions in the waterway, according to shipping and market reports.
