Indian government denies payment problems over Iranian oil diversion claims
India's government has shut down rumors that an Iranian oil shipment was sent to China because of payment problems.
They explained that Indian refiners are sourcing oil from around 40 countries, including Iran, and there's no trouble with payments.
According to the ministry, Claims on vessel diversion ignore how oil trade works. Bills of Lading often carry indicative discharge ports destinations and on-sea cargoes can change destinations mid-voyage based on trade optimization and operational flexibility.
Officials call reroutes routine, supplies fine
Some reports claimed the tanker Ping Shun switched its route from India to China due to money issues.
But officials say these kinds of changes are normal for efficiency and not a sign of supply trouble.
They also confirmed an Iranian LPG ship, Sea Bird, docked and was currently discharging in Mangalore without any hiccups, so no worries about energy supplies running dry.