India permits sanctioned Iranian tankers to enter ports

India has granted specific waivers to allow energy cargoes from Iran[country:\"IR\" }] to reach its ports, according to sources familiar with the situation. The decision is part of an effort to accelerate energy deliveries as the nation, a key market for companies like DORIAN LPG LTD, grapples with its most severe gas crisis in several decades.

To address the shortage, the government recently permitted the LPG tanker Aurora to dock at the southern port of Mangalore. This vessel, which is approximately 30 years old, would typically require specialized seaworthiness certification to enter Indian ports under standard maritime regulations for ships over 20 years of age. India is currently the world's second-largest importer of liquefied petroleum gas, and the government has been forced to ration supplies to industrial sectors to prioritize household cooking gas.

In a separate move, authorities allowed the crude oil tanker Jaya to unload its cargo despite the vessel being under sanctions from the United States. While international markets closely monitor the pricing of Brent Crude Oil and West Texas Oil, the use of older vessels and shadow fleets has become a tactical necessity for some nations to ensure energy security amidst geopolitical restrictions.

Government officials emphasized that these approvals are granted on a case-by-case basis, ensuring that only vessels meeting specific safety criteria receive waivers. Standard protocols usually bar vessels subject to foreign sanctions and require strict paperwork from the International Association of Classification Societies. Neither the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways nor the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas provided immediate comments regarding the specific ship waivers.