Russian Oil Tanker Bound for China Takes U-Turn Mid-Route; Arrives in India

New Delhi: The conflict between Iran and the United States has triggered a global oil crisis. Consequently, India is purchasing oil from other nations to ensure a steady supply. The tanker 'Aqua Titan', carrying Russian crude oil, has arrived off the Indian coast. Notably, this tanker was initially bound for China; however, it executed a mid-voyage U-turn and rerouted towards India. The arrival of this tanker at the New Mangalore Port is expected to provide some relief regarding the oil supply situation. In total, seven tankers from Russia are currently en route to India.

Where was the tanker headed?

This tanker was loaded at a Baltic Sea port in late January. It was originally scheduled to head toward the port of Rizhao in China; however, following the outbreak of the conflict involving Iran—and after the U.S. lifted the temporary waivers previously granted for purchasing Russian oil—the vessel executed a U-turn in mid-March and set course for India.

How many Russian oil tankers will reach India?

According to a report by the news agency Bloomberg, at least seven vessels laden with Russian oil—which were originally bound for China—have now diverted toward India. Iran is currently restricting the passage of any vessel through the Strait of Hormuz and has launched attacks on several ships. This situation has precipitated a crisis regarding both oil and LPG supplies. Consequently, India has ramped up its oil procurement through various alternative routes, in addition to the Strait ofmuz. India typically sources approximately 40–50 percent of its crude oil requirements through the Strait of Hormuz. Furthermore, another tanker—the Suezmax 'Zuzu N'—is expected to arrive at the Sikka port in Gujarat on March 25.

India has recently achieved another significant breakthrough regarding passage through the Strait of Hormuz. Iran has granted permission for two additional LPG tankers to transit through the strait. These tankers are expected to arrive in India in the coming days. Citing shipping data and industry sources, Reuters reported that following a temporary suspension of voyages, two Indian-flagged Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) tankers are currently preparing to transit through the Strait of Hormuz in the days ahead. Hundreds of ships have dropped anchor, as Tehran has threatened to attack vessels attempting to exit the Gulf via the Strait of Hormuz.