Oil Tankers Reach Mumbai: Evasion of US Strait Blockade

Oil and LPG tankers keep arriving in Mumbai despite the U.S. blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. This shows the challenges the U.S. faces in enforcing restrictions in a key maritime area. Reports reveal that many ships evade the blockade by using alternative routes from Iran's Kharg Island to India. Take the Indian vessel Desh Garima, for example. It successfully reached Mumbai carrying 97,000 metric tonnes of crude oil, even after encountering Iranian fire during its journey. Since the blockade began on April 13, over 30 tankers have reportedly crossed the Strait, with at least 34 linked to Iran. Analysts suggest two main routes for these vessels. One allows ships to hug Iran's territorial waters before following Pakistan’s coastline, making it harder for the U.S. Navy to intervene. The other route takes tankers along Iran’s southern coast to Chabahar Port, then directly to Indian ports. This matters because, while the blockade puts pressure on oil shipments, it hasn't completely halted them. For India and other nations relying on Gulf energy, these routes are vital for their energy needs.