Desk News : Voice of Calcutta

Oil Tanker Crosses Strait of Hormuz, Reaches Mumbai Port Amid Middle East Tensions ji

Amid escalating tensions in West Asia involving Iran and the United States–Israel axis, an oil tanker carrying crude has successfully reached Mumbai after crossing the strategically crucial Strait of Hormuz. According to sources, this is the first tanker to arrive in India through the strait since the recent conflict atmosphere intensified in the region, offering significant relief to India’s energy supply concerns.

The vessel, a Liberian-flagged tanker named Shenlong Suezmax, transported more than 135,000 metric tonnes of crude oil from Saudi Arabia to India. Officials confirmed that the tanker safely docked at Mumbai port, and the process of unloading the crude has already begun.

Shipping data indicates that the tanker was loaded with crude oil at Ras Tanura port in Saudi Arabia on March 1. It departed for India on March 3 and was last recorded near the Strait of Hormuz on March 4. Shortly afterward, the ship’s tracking system was temporarily switched off, a move experts believe was likely taken as a precaution to avoid potential targeting or attacks amid the tense security environment in the region.

After several days without visible tracking signals, the vessel finally reached Mumbai safely. Sources say the crude oil from the tanker will be transported to the Mahal refinery located in eastern Mumbai, where it will undergo processing before distribution.

The ship reportedly carried 29 crew members, including nationals from India, Pakistan, and the Philippines.

The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the most critical maritime chokepoints for global oil trade, with a significant portion of the world’s crude shipments passing through the narrow waterway. In recent weeks, the growing military tensions in the Middle East disrupted shipping movements in the area, leaving several vessels stranded and raising fears of a global supply shock.

However, Indian officials maintain that the country’s energy supply remains stable. Government sources claim that around 60 percent of India’s crude oil imports are currently being routed through alternative supply channels, reducing the risk of major disruptions.

India has also diversified its energy import network in recent years. According to official reports, the country now sources oil and gas from a wide range of nations including Russia, Iraq, Kuwait, Qatar, the United States, Norway, Nigeria, Brazil, Canada, Australia, Algeria, Angola, Malaysia, Mexico, Venezuela and several others. This diversified strategy is intended to strengthen India’s long-term energy security.

Diplomatic engagement has also played a role in maintaining shipping access. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar recently held detailed discussions with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. Following these talks, Iran reportedly allowed at least two Indian oil tankers to move through the Strait of Hormuz.

Energy analysts say the safe arrival of this tanker at Mumbai could help ease some of the anxiety surrounding global oil supplies, even as geopolitical tensions in the region continue to evolve.

National Desk : Voice of Calcutta