New Delhi, April 4: Amid rising tensions between Iran and the US-Israel, the transit of oil and gas tankers through the Strait of Hormuz has become increasingly challenging. Recently, misleading reports have surfaced regarding the diversion of an oil tanker carrying Iranian crude oil from India to China due to payment issues. The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas in India has categorically dismissed these claims circulating on social media.
The ministry stated that India imports crude oil from over 40 countries, allowing companies the flexibility to source oil from various locations for commercial reasons. Despite disruptions in supply from the Middle East, Indian refining companies have successfully met their crude oil requirements, including imports from Iran, with no payment issues contrary to the rumors.
Furthermore, the ministry emphasized that claims of vessel diversion overlook how oil trade operates. The bill of lading often includes indicative discharge port destinations, and on-sea cargo trade can adapt to optimize routes and operational flexibility, allowing for changes in destination mid-journey.
It reiterated that India’s crude oil needs are fully secured for the upcoming months. Regarding LPG, some claims are also incorrect. The LPG vessel Sea Bird, carrying approximately 44,000 metric tons of Iranian LPG, docked in Mangalore, India, on April 2 and is currently unloading gas.
In the midst of ongoing conflicts in West Asia, another LPG tanker, Green Sanvi, flagged under India, has safely navigated through the Strait of Hormuz. According to ship tracking data, this marks the seventh Indian vessel to successfully traverse this critical maritime route.
The tanker followed a designated path through Iranian maritime territory to navigate these strategically sensitive waters. It is estimated that the tanker holds about 44,000 tons of LPG, equivalent to nearly half a day’s consumption in India prior to the ongoing conflicts in West Asia.
Industrial experts predict that two more Indian-flagged LPG tankers, Green Asha and Jag Vikram, are expected to cross the strait and arrive in India in the coming days.
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