New Delhi, April 9 (Reuters) – With a view to speeding delivery of energy supplies from the Gulf, India recently granted waivers to allow two Iranian cargoes aboard an older tanker and another under international sanctions to enter its ports, two officials familiar with the matter said.
The world’s No.2 importer of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), India is facing its worst gas crisis in decades, with the government rationing supplies to industry to ensure households are supplied with the cooking gas.
India recently permitted the LPG tanker Aurora to dock in the southern port of Mangalore despite it being about 30 years old, one of the sources said.
A crude oil tanker, the Jaya, despite being under U.S. sanctions, was also permitted to unload, the other source said.
The officials said the approvals were being made on a case-by-case basis and only vessels meeting safety parameters were being considered for waivers.
India typically requires tankers that are more than 20 years old to have seaworthiness certification from a member of the International Association of Classification Societies, or an entity authorised by India’s maritime administration.
It also typically bars vessels subject to U.S. sanctions from its ports.
Iran has sidestepped Western sanctions to deliver its oil in recent years by deploying a “shadow fleet” of older tankers lacking such paperwork.
The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways and the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas did not immediately respond to Reuters requests for comment sent by email.
This report is given by Reuters. The Sen Times holds no responsibility for its content.
Why did India grant waivers for sanctioned Iranian tankers?
India granted waivers for sanctioned Iranian tankers to mitigate the country’s most significant energy crisis in decades and prevent widespread fuel shortages. By allowing these vessels to dock on a case-by-case basis, the government prioritizes national energy security over standard adherence to international maritime blockades.
Is the LPG tanker Aurora safe to dock in Mangalore?
The LPG tanker Aurora is considered safe to dock in Mangalore only after fulfilling rigorous, state-mandated technical inspections that verify its structural integrity despite being 30 years old. Indian maritime authorities granted this specific waiver after the vessel met precise seaworthiness parameters required for high-risk cargo vessels.
How does the India gas crisis affect household cooking gas?
The India gas crisis forces the government to implement aggressive supply rationing, prioritizing household cooking gas over industrial manufacturing to prevent social unrest. Consequently, while residential LPG remains available, industrial sectors face significant productivity losses as fuel is diverted to sustain the national kitchen fuel network.
Can sanctioned ships enter Indian ports during an energy emergency?
Sanctioned ships can enter Indian ports during an energy emergency if the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways issues a sovereign administrative waiver. Such entry is contingent upon the vessel meeting Indian maritime safety standards and the cargo being deemed essential for national survival or infrastructure stability.
What are the maritime safety requirements for tankers over 25 years old?
Maritime safety requirements for tankers over 25 years old mandate a valid seaworthiness certification from a recognized member of the International Association of Classification Societies (IACS). Additionally, these vessels must undergo enhanced hull inspections and satisfy the Indian maritime administration’s specific parameters for technical insurance and environmental risk.
Will US sanctions apply to India for receiving Iranian crude in 2026?
Whether US sanctions will apply to India for receiving Iranian crude in 2026 depends on current bilateral diplomatic exemptions and the activation of “Secondary Sanctions” by the US administration. Historically, the US has provided “Significant Reduction Exceptions” (SREs), though India’s current use of sanctioned tankers tests these diplomatic boundaries.
