Two tankers carrying fuel to India on Thursday safely passed through the strategically crucial Strait of Hormuz, which has become one of the most sensitive points in the current Middle East crisis. This was reported by Bloomberg citing shipping data and subsequently confirmed by Indian authorities.

The first of the ships, the Symi tanker carrying liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), has set sail from Qatar and is heading for the port of Kandla in the western Indian state of Gujarat. For a time, its identification system was disabled, but it subsequently surfaced in the Gulf of Oman. A few hours later, the NV Sunshine, also bound for Kandla, passed safely through the Strait.

Spokesman for the Indian Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Mukesh Mangal said that since the beginning of the current crisis, a total of 13 Indian vessels have safely passed through the Strait of Hormuz. The Symi is due to arrive in India on May 16, and the NV Sunshine two days later.

The Strait of Hormuz connects the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea. Approximately one-fifth of the world's oil trade and a significant proportion of natural gas exports pass through it daily. Any reduction in traffic could immediately affect energy prices and global supply chains.

India is one of the world's largest importers of oil and natural gas. According to earlier data from the Indian government, at least 22 Indian-flagged ships were located in the Strait area, 20 of which were identified as critical to the country's energy security.

Mangal also confirmed that the Indian ship Haji Ali was attacked off the coast of Oman. The incident caused fire and flooding of the vessel. However, all 14 crew members were rescued.

Chinese ships get exemption from Iran

Iran's Fars news agency reported that Tehran has introduced new rules for navigation through the Strait of Hormuz since May 13. Based on a strategic partnership with China, selected Chinese vessels are assured of unimpeded passage after prior coordination with Iranian authorities.

According to the source, the decision was taken after a request from Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and the Chinese ambassador to Iran. The first Chinese ships began using the new regime on the evening of May 13.

The current situation in the Strait of Hormuz shows how crucial this narrow sea route is to the world economy. Although Indian tankers have so far proceeded without major complications, the safety of navigation remains under increased scrutiny and further developments could significantly affect energy markets around the world.

gnews.cz - GH