Russian crude tanker reaches India after route change
Indian Refiners Receive Russian Crude Shipment After US Waiver Approval
First diverted tanker reaches New Mangaluru port
An oil tanker carrying Russian crude, originally bound for China, arrived at the New Mangaluru Port on Saturday evening. The vessel, Aqua Titan, is the first among seven tankers now being redirected to India.
The medium-sized tanker had loaded crude from a Baltic Sea port in late January and was initially scheduled to dock at Rizhao in China.
Route change follows US waiver decision
The vessel altered its course in mid-March after India received a 30-day waiver from the United States to procure sanctioned Russian oil stranded at sea. The diversion of cargo comes amid evolving global supply conditions.
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According to earlier reports, at least seven such tankers that were heading towards China have been rerouted to Indian ports in recent days.
Energy security concerns amid Hormuz disruption
The shift in oil shipments is taking place as India looks to secure its energy needs following the disruption in the Strait of Hormuz due to the ongoing Iran conflict.
The route is critical for India, with nearly 40 to 50 per cent of its crude oil imports passing through it. A significant portion of liquefied natural gas and most LPG shipments also transit through this corridor.
More shipments expected at Indian ports
Another tanker, Suezmax Zouzou N, is expected to arrive at Sikka port in Gujarat on March 25. It had similarly reversed its course earlier in March.
Ship-tracking firm Vortexa has monitored the movement of these vessels, indicating a coordinated redirection following increased procurement by Indian refiners.
Temporary relief for crude supply pressure
The arrival of these shipments is expected to ease short-term pressure on crude oil availability in the country. The additional supply is likely to support refining operations during the ongoing disruption in global energy routes.
LPG cargo also docks amid fuel concerns
In a related development, a major LPG shipment has also reached India. The cargo vessel Pyxis Pioneer, which departed from Texas in the United States, docked at the New Mangaluru Port on Sunday.
Port authorities have initiated safety checks and unloading operations as part of standard procedures.
