New Delhi, 12 March (H.S.): Amid escalating West Asia conflict, a massive Saudi crude oil tanker transited the volatile Strait of Hormuz unscathed, docking at Mumbai Port with 135,335 metric tonnes of oil—the first such major delivery since tensions surged post-US-Israel strikes on Iran.

Liberia-flagged Shenlong, operated by Athens-based Dynacom Tanker Management, arrived Wednesday afternoon under Indian Captain Sukhant Singh Sandhu, who led its 29-member crew from Ras Tanura on March 1, passing Hormuz March 8. Unloading, lasting ~36 hours, feeds Mumbai's Mahul refinery for petrol, diesel, and LPG production.

Mumbai Port Authority's Deputy Conservator Praveen Singh confirmed operations; experts stress India's heavy maritime reliance for over half its oil and gas, with Brent crude topping $100/barrel amid disruptions threatening energy security.

---------------

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar