Five liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) carriers, all flagged under India and all India-bound LPG Ships, remain anchored north of Dubai-Ras Al Khaimah, just southwest of the strategic Strait of Hormuz. This development comes as Iran intensifies its control over ship movements in the region, according to ship tracker websites.
On March 27, 2026, the Iranian Revolutionary Guards announced that they had prevented three ships from transiting the Strait of Hormuz, emphasizing the route’s closure to vessels associated with nations deemed hostile by Tehran. The move follows statements by the Guards on their Sepah News website, refuting claims by the U.S. President about the strait’s accessibility.
Iran’s recent actions have led to a bottleneck of over 1.7 lakh tonnes of LPG destined for India, highlighting the geopolitical tensions in the region. Iran has allowed ships from friendly countries, including India, to pass through a designated route near Larak Island, informally dubbed the ‘Tehran toll booth’ by shipping analysts.
Historically, the Strait of Hormuz has been a critical chokepoint for global oil and gas shipments, and any disruption can have significant ramifications on global energy markets. The current restrictions are part of broader tensions involving Iran, Israel, and their allies, with Iran explicitly banning ships linked to the U.S., Israel, and certain Gulf states.
As the situation unfolds, shipping companies and geopolitical analysts are closely monitoring the developments for any shifts in Iran’s stance or potential diplomatic interventions. The outcome of these tensions could have lasting impacts on international trade routes and regional stability.
Published in SouthAsianDesk, March 28, 2026
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