Indian Government Dismisses Reports of Iranian Oil Diversion and Payment Issues

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The Indian Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas has officially refuted reports suggesting that an Iranian crude oil cargo was diverted to China due to payment complications. In a formal statement, the government clarified that claims of a ‘payment hurdle’ regarding Iranian imports are factually incorrect and based on a misunderstanding of how international oil trade operates.

Authorities emphasized that Indian refiners maintain total flexibility to source crude oil from over 40 countries based on commercial logic and operational needs. 

The Ministry explained that ‘Bills of Lading’ often list indicative destinations, and it is common for sea-bound cargoes to change their destination mid-voyage to optimize trade or logistics. This flexibility is a standard part of the global market and not an indication of financial disputes.

Despite ongoing supply disruptions in the Middle East, the government reassured the public that India’s crude oil requirements are fully secured for the coming months. Refiners have already finalized arrangements to meet national demand, including supplies from Iran, without any administrative or financial bottlenecks.

To further debunk rumors of a supply rift, the Ministry highlighted the successful arrival of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) from Iran. The vessel Sea Bird, carrying approximately 44,000 metric tonnes of Iranian LPG, successfully berthed at Mangalore on April 2. The ship is currently discharging its cargo, serving as a direct contradiction to claims that energy shipments from the region have been halted.