Two India-Bound LPG Tankers Cross Hormuz With Transponders Off

Two liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) tankers bound for India have transited the Strait of Hormuz with their Automatic Identification System (AIS) transponders switched off for part of the journey, according to MarineTraffic data. The Marshall Islands-flagged Symi departed Qatar's Ras Laffan and was spotted in the Gulf of Oman early Thursday, heading for the Indian port of Kandla. A second vessel, also carrying LPG, followed a similar route with its transponder disabled.

This practice, known as "dark shipping," is becoming more common as commercial vessels seek to avoid detection amid rising geopolitical risks in the Middle East. For energy traders, the Strait of Hormuz is a critical chokepoint through which about 20% of global LPG and oil supplies pass. Any disruption or perceived increase in risk can tighten supply expectations and support prices. India, the world's third-largest oil consumer, relies heavily on LPG imports for household cooking, making the safe passage of these tankers a key concern for domestic fuel markets. Traders can check NowPrice's fuel page for real-time pricing on LPG and other energy commodities.

Market participants will watch for further dark transits and any official statements from Iran or Gulf states regarding maritime security. The International Maritime Organization has urged vessels to keep AIS on for safety, but the trend of disabling transponders suggests growing unease. Any escalation could push shipping insurance premiums higher and alter trade flows, potentially benefiting alternative supply routes such as the Red Sea or the Cape of Good Hope.