In a major diplomatic breakthrough amidst a deepening global energy crisis, Iran has granted a "rare exception" to Indian-flagged vessels, allowing them to transit through the heavily blockaded Strait of Hormuz. ​The move follows high-level negotiations between New Delhi and Tehran as India grapples with a severe domestic shortage of Liquified Petroleum Gas (LPG). ​Crisis in the Strait: The Context ​The Strait of Hormuz, a vital maritime chokepoint through which approximately 20% of the world’s oil and 25% of its LNG passes, has been effectively closed to most traffic since late February 2026. This followed a significant military escalation involving the United States, Israel, and Iran. ​Tehran’s blockade has left hundreds of ships stranded, causing global oil prices to surge by over 30% and sparking fears of a worldwide economic shock. For India, the stakes are existential: the country relies on the Strait for nearly 90% of its LPG and over half of its LNG imports. ​A Diplomatic Lifeline for India ​On Saturday, March 14, 2026, Iran’s Ambassador to India, Mohammad Fathali, confirmed at the India Today Conclave that Tehran had begun allowing specific Indian vessels to pass. ​"Yes, we have allowed some ships to pass through Hormuz... Iran and India have historical relations and common interests," Fathali stated, though he declined to provide a specific number of vessels cleared for passage. ​Shortly after the Ambassador’s remarks, Rajesh Kumar Sinha, Special Secretary at the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, confirmed that the first phase of the transit was successful. ​Key Details of the Passage ​Vessels: Two Indian-flagged LPG carriers, the Shivalik and the Nanda Devi, successfully crossed the Strait. ​Cargo: The tankers are carrying a combined 92,712 metric tonnes of cooking gas. ​Destinations: The Shivalik is bound for Mundra Port (expected March 16), while the Nanda Devi is heading to Kandla Port (expected March 17). ​Safety: The vessels reportedly crossed under the watchful eye of the Indian Navy and are currently en route to the western coast of India. ​The Human and Economic Toll ​Despite this success, the crisis is far from over. As of March 16, government officials reported: ​22 Indian-flagged vessels remain stuck west of the Strait in the Persian Gulf. ​Approximately 611 Indian seafarers are currently onboard these stranded ships. ​LPG Scarcity: India is facing its worst gas shortage in decades, with the government urging citizens to avoid "panic booking" as domestic supplies are prioritized for households. ​No "Blanket Arrangement" ​India’s External Affairs Minister, S. Jaishankar, clarified that this was not a "blanket arrangement" but the result of intense, ship-by-ship diplomacy. He emphasized that the passage was secured through "reasoning and coordination" rather than a transactional exchange, citing the deep-rooted historical ties between the two nations. ​While the passage of these two tankers offers a temporary reprieve, the global energy market remains on edge as the broader blockade continues to choke the world's most critical energy artery.