Two oil tankers carrying approximately 3 million barrels of crude oil have arrived in India, raising hopes for increased energy supplies amid regional tensions.
Indian Oil Corporation Receives Crucial Oil Shipments
On March 12, 2026, two oil tankers carrying roughly 3 million barrels of West Asian oil arrived in India, raising hopes for enhanced energy supplies amid ongoing geopolitical tensions. The shipments include a Liberia-flagged tanker, Shenlong, which is transporting around 1 million barrels of Saudi Arabian crude oil, and an India-flagged Very Large Crude Carrier (VLCC) carrying approximately 2 million barrels of crude from Iraq.
India’s reliance on imports for about 60% of its liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) requirement, with 90% of these imports transiting through the Strait of Hormuz, underscores the significance of these deliveries. The arrival of these tankers is seen as a positive development for India’s energy security.
In recent discussions, India’s External Affairs Minister, Randhir Jaiswal, noted that he and Iran’s Foreign Minister have engaged in three conversations aimed at ensuring the safe passage of vessels to India. “The objective of the diplomatic engagement was to keep the sea route open for Indian vessels so that shipments of crude oil and liquefied natural gas (LPG) continue without major disruption,” he stated.
However, disruptions in LPG supply have already begun to affect the hospitality sector in India. The ongoing conflict involving the US, Israel, and Iran, along with instability around the Strait of Hormuz, has triggered a shortage of commercial LPG in the country. Observers note that Prime Minister Modi has emphasized that these challenges are linked to global developments and are not unique to India, assuring that the government is prepared to manage any disruptions effectively.
On the stock market, Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) recorded a total traded volume of 56,34,938 shares on the same day. The stock opened at ₹157.40, down 2.01% from the previous close of ₹160.63, with a last traded price of ₹157.20, reflecting a day’s loss of 1.43%. IOC currently holds a market capitalization of ₹2,26,928 crores.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding the exact permission status from Iran for the two oil tankers to cross the Strait of Hormuz. The long-term implications of the current disruptions in LPG supply also remain uncertain, as India navigates these complex geopolitical waters.
