Iran has permitted two Indian-flagged liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) carriers to pass through the Strait of Hormuz, sources with direct knowledge said to Reuters, marking a rare exception to Tehran’s blockade that has disrupted global energy shipments.

The Shivalik crossed the strait under escort from the Indian Navy, while the Nanda Devi is expected to follow within hours.

Since a US -Israeli attack on Iran, Iran has largely halted traffic through the strait, a critical route that normally carries about 20% of global oil and seaborne liquefied natural gas (LNG). Iran has barred shipments destined for the US and its allies, but India sought exemptions. Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian to discuss the safe transit of goods and energy.

India has also provided a safe harbor to 183 Iranian sailors from a vessel stranded after the conflict. The move comes as India faces its worst gas shortage in decades, with industrial supplies cut to protect household fuel access.