India's crude supplies fully secured, no payment hurdle: Petroleum ministry
What's the story
The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas has assured that India's crude oil supplies are fully secured for the coming months. The ministry dismissed reports of supply disruptions and payment issues with Iranian imports as "factually incorrect." Indian refiners have already secured their supplies from over 40 countries, including Iran, with no payment hurdles for importing Iranian crude.
Rumor response
Iranian crude cargo being diverted to China 'factually incorrect'
The ministry also addressed rumors of an Iranian crude cargo being diverted from India's Vadinar port to China. These claims were dismissed as "factually incorrect," with the ministry emphasizing that such changes are common in global oil trade due to trade optimization and operational flexibility. Bills of Lading often carry indicative discharge ports, allowing on-sea cargoes to change destinations mid-voyage.
LPG assurance
LPG supplies continue amid geopolitical tensions
The ministry also addressed concerns over liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) supplies, citing the example of the vessel Sea Bird. The ship, carrying around 44,000 tons of Iranian LPG, berthed at Mangalore on April 2 and is currently discharging its cargo, the ministry said in a statement, underscoring the continuity of supplies amid geopolitical tensions affecting global energy markets.
Twitter Post
Petroleum ministry's clarification
The news reports and social media posts of an Iranian crude cargo being diverted from Vadinar, India to China due to “payment issues” are factually incorrect. 🇮🇳India imports crude oil from 40+ countries, with companies having full flexibility to source oil from different sources…
— Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas #MoPNG (@PetroleumMin) April 4, 2026
Import prospects
Potential resumption of Iranian crude imports
Despite not officially importing Iranian crude since 2019 due to US sanctions, there are indications of a potential resumption. A temporary waiver by US President Donald Trump allows Iranian oil cargoes already at sea to avoid penalties for a limited period. This has raised hopes for a revival in shipments, with reports suggesting India could receive its first Iranian crude cargo in nearly seven years under this window.