The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas on Saturday rejected reports that an Iranian crude oil tanker bound for India was diverted to China due to payment-related issues, asserting that the rerouting was part of routine “trade optimisation” and that supplies remain secure.
The clarification came after reports suggested that a tanker carrying Iranian crude, initially headed to the west coast terminal of Vadinar in Gujarat, altered its course mid-voyage towards Dongying in China.
In a post on X, the ministry termed such reports “factually incorrect”, stating that Indian refiners continue to procure crude oil from Iran and that there are no payment hurdles affecting transactions.
Officials explained that while shipping documents indicate a designated destination, cargo vessels often alter routes depending on commercial considerations and operational flexibility. The ministry said such adjustments are a normal feature of global energy trade, particularly during periods of geopolitical uncertainty.
“India imports crude oil from 40+ countries, with companies having full flexibility to source oil from different sources and geographies based on commercial considerations,” the ministry said.
The government also sought to reassure markets, stating that India’s crude oil requirements for the coming months remain “fully secured”, despite ongoing tensions in West Asia.
Also read: India only nation to lose mariners in Hormuz crisis: Govt
The clarification comes amid heightened scrutiny of energy flows following disruptions triggered by the conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran, which has affected shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global oil transit route.
Addressing concerns around liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) supplies, the ministry noted that the vessel Sea Bird, carrying around 44,000 tonnes of Iranian LPG, has already berthed at Mangalore and is currently discharging its cargo.
India’s energy supply chain has continued to function despite the volatility in the region. Several Indian-linked vessels, including Green Sanvi, MT Shivalik, MT Nanda Devi and Pine Gas, have successfully transited the Strait of Hormuz in recent weeks, ensuring steady inflows.
Earlier this month, Iran had also sought to reassure India regarding the safety of its interests in the strait, indicating that maritime traffic involving “non-hostile” vessels would be allowed to continue.
With India sourcing crude from a diverse set of suppliers, officials maintained that flexibility in procurement and logistics remains key to insulating the country from external shocks and ensuring uninterrupted energy availability.
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