No Iranian crude diversion to China; India’s energy supplies secure: Govt

The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas on Saturday dismissed reports that an Iranian crude oil shipment meant for India had been diverted to China due to payment issues, calling such claims “factually incorrect” and reiterating that the country’s energy supplies remain secure. 

In a statement posted on X, the ministry said reports and social media posts suggesting that an Iranian crude cargo was rerouted from Vadinar port to China over payment hurdles were inaccurate. 

It clarified that Indian refiners have already secured their crude oil requirements, including supplies from Iran, despite ongoing disruptions in West Asia amid the Iran conflict. 

“There is no payment hurdle for Iranian crude imports, contrary to the rumours being circulated,” the ministry said, adding that India sources crude from over 40 countries, allowing companies flexibility to adjust procurement based on commercial considerations. 

Addressing claims around vessel diversion, the ministry said such interpretations overlook the dynamics of global oil trade. Bills of Lading often indicate tentative discharge ports, and cargoes can change destinations mid-voyage due to trade optimisation and operational factors, it noted. 

India’s crude requirements remain fully secured: Govt

Reiterating supply stability, the government said India’s crude oil requirements remain fully secured for the coming months. 

On LPG, the ministry also refuted claims of disruption, stating that the vessel Sea Bird, carrying about 44 TMT of Iranian LPG, berthed at Mangaluru on April 2 and is currently discharging cargo. 

The clarification follows reports earlier this week that the US-sanctioned tanker Ping Shun, carrying around 600,000 barrels of Iranian crude, altered its course towards China after initially indicating Vadinar as its destination. The ministry, however, said such mid-voyage changes are routine in global oil logistics. 

Separately, the government urged citizens to avoid panic buying of petrol, diesel and LPG, assuring that supplies remain adequate despite disruptions linked to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. 

The ministry said it is taking proactive steps to ensure uninterrupted availability of petroleum products and cooking gas, while advising consumers to rely on official information and conserve energy. 

Authorities have intensified action against hoarding and black marketing, conducting over 3,700 raids and issuing around 1,000 show-cause notices to LPG distributors. So far, 27 dealerships have been suspended.