New Delhi [India], April 4 (ANI): The Petroleum Ministry on Saturday denied reports that an Iranian crude cargo bound for India was diverted to China because of “payment issues.”
In an X post, the ministry said India has faced no payment hurdle in securing crude oil imports and called the media reports incorrect. It explained that Bills of Lading often list indicative discharge ports and that on-sea cargoes can change destinations mid-voyage for trade optimisation and operational reasons.
“The news reports and social media posts of an Iranian crude cargo being diverted from Vadinar, India, to China due to ‘payment issues’ is factually incorrect. India imports crude oil from 40+ countries, with companies having full flexibility to source oil from different sources & 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 as per some rumours being circulated,” the ministry said.
The post added, “Claims on vessel diversion ignore how 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.”
Addressing LPG supply rumours, the ministry said the LPG vessel Sea Bird, carrying around 44 TMT of Iranian LPG, berthed at Mangalore on April 2 and is currently discharging.
This followed media reports, citing a commodity market analysis firm, that a crude oil vessel bound for India had diverted to China over payment concerns.
Separately, India-flagged large gas carrier Green Sanvi safely transited the Strait of Hormuz on Friday night, carrying approximately 46,650 metric tonnes of LPG, official sources said.
The Centre has been in talks with Iranian authorities to allow Indian vessels passage through the Strait of Hormuz amid a maritime blockade linked to the ongoing West Asia conflict.
The West Asia crisis began on February 28 with US-Israel strikes on Iran and subsequent Iranian retaliation, which has affected regional stability and global fuel supplies. (ANI)
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