Albeit dismissing news reports about Iranian crude being diverted from Indian shores because of payment issues, the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas (MoPNG) informed that Indian refiners are indeed purchasing Iranian crude.
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Albeit dismissing news reports about Iranian crude being diverted from Indian shores because of payment issues, the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas (MoPNG) informed that Indian refiners are indeed purchasing Iranian crude.
“Amidst Middle East supply disruption, Indian refiners have secured their crude oil requirements, including from Iran; and there is not payment hurdle for Iranian crude imports as per some rumours being circulated,” the social media post read.
Although the quantum has not been informed but the purchase marks a reversal from the time India had stepped away from purchasing Iranian crude following U.S. sanctions in 2019.
Further, whilst dismissing circulating media reports attributing payment issues to the diversion, the ministry underlined that companies had “full flexibility to source oil from different sources and geographies based on commercial considerations”.
The social media post said “India imports crude oil from 40+ countries, with companies having full flexibility to source oil from different sources and geographies based on commercial considerations.”
“Amid Middle East supply disruptions, Indian refiners have secured their crude oil requirements, including from Iran, and there is no payment hurdle for Iranian crude imports, contrary to the rumours being circulated.”
Ship-tracking firm Kpler on Friday (April 3) stated that Aframax tanker Ping Shun, built in 2002 and sanctioned by the U.S. in 2025, is now signalling Dongying in China as its destination instead of Vadinar in Gujarat, which it had indicated earlier this week.
Indian refiners have been looking at opportunities to purchase a few cargoes of Iranian oil on water following the recent sanctions waiver by Washington.
The Ministry clarified that changes in vessel destinations during transit are common in global oil trade, as bills of lading often indicate tentative discharge ports and cargoes may be rerouted mid-voyage for operational and commercial reasons.
“Claims on vessel diversion ignore how the oil trade works. Bills of Lading often carry indicative discharge ports, destinations and on-sea cargoes can change destinations mid-voyage based on trade optimisation and operational flexibility,” the ministry said.
“It is reiterated that India’s crude oil requirements remain fully secured for the coming months.” The ministry also said that an LPG vessel, Sea Bird, carrying about 44,000 tonnes of Iranian LPG, berthed at Mangalore on April 2 and is currently discharging cargo.
Historically, India was a major buyer of Iranian crude, importing significant volumes of Iranian light and heavy grades due to strong refinery compatibility and favourable commercial terms.
(With inputs from PTI)
Published – April 04, 2026 03:25 pm IST
