No LPG Tankers Cross Strait of Hormuz After US Blockade on Iranian Ports

No LPG tankers have transited the Strait of Hormuz following the U.S. imposition of a blockade on ships entering and leaving Iranian ports on Monday, shipbroking sources said, citing Kpler data.

Market participants were unsurprised by the lack of activity, adding that even during the temporary two-week ceasefire announced earlier, LPG vessel movements through the Strait of Hormuz were minimal.

Only two LPG tankers, Jag Vikram and Gas Endurance, have crossed the Strait since the ceasefire, announced on April 7. Gas Endurance transited last Tuesday, according to shipbrokers.

India-flagged Jag Vikram, carrying 20,400 metric tons of LPG, successfully transited last Saturday and is estimated to arrive in Mumbai on April 15, according to a news release by India’s Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas.

A total of 31 LPG tankers remain stranded in the Middle East, consisting of three handysize carriers, 12 small gas carriers, four midsize gas carriers and 12 very large gas carrier, according to Kpler data.

“The market is generally at a standstill now. Everyone remains cautious even with the ceasefire, and the U.S. blockade has only amplified uncertainties that tensions could escalate again,” an analyst said.

“Most importers in Asia will lean to U.S. alternatives and are turning to those to secure supply amid the ongoing conflict,” another analyst said.

Others warned that the blockade could cut off a significant portion of China’s supply, as the country is traditionally a key buyer of Iranian LPG, further intensifying competition for already tight shipments.

Vortexa data shows Iran was the second largest LPG supplier to China in 2025 after the U.S. Of the 35.86 million mt imported by China last year, 9.62 million mt were Iranian cargoes. In the first three months of this year, Iran was the top LPG supplier to China, accounting for 2.22 million mt out of total imports of 7.51 million mt.

Analysts noted that increased competition from China for limited U.S. supply could push prices even higher. Many importers are ready feeling the weight of rising prices since the conflict began, with recent tenders being cancelled due to high offer levels.

The CFR Japan propane flat price closed at $918.25/mt on Tuesday, up 47.12% from pre-war levels, according to OPIS assessments.

–Reporting by Cheryl Lee, clee@opisnet.com ; Editing by Mei-Hwen Wong, mwong@opisnet.com