New Delhi, Apr 4: The Petroleum Ministry on Saturday termed as “factually incorrect” reports and social media claims suggesting diversion of an Iranian crude cargo from Vadinar to China due to alleged payment issues, asserting that India’s oil supplies remain fully secured.
In a post on X, the ministry clarified that India imports crude oil from more than 40 countries and oil companies have complete flexibility to source supplies from different geographies based on commercial considerations.
Amid ongoing supply disruptions in the Middle East, the ministry said Indian refiners have adequately secured crude oil requirements, including supplies from Iran, and dismissed claims of any payment hurdles in such imports.
“Reports of cargo diversion due to payment issues are incorrect. There is no such constraint in importing Iranian crude,” the ministry said, adding that such claims reflect a lack of understanding of global oil trade practices.
It further explained that Bills of Lading often mention indicative discharge ports and that cargo destinations can change mid-voyage due to trade optimisation and operational flexibility.
Reiterating that India’s crude oil needs are fully met for the coming months, the ministry also refuted claims regarding LPG supplies.
It said LPG vessel Sea Bird, carrying around 44 thousand metric tonnes (TMT) of Iranian LPG, berthed at Mangalore on April 2 and is currently discharging cargo, underlining that supply chains remain intact.
