India dismisses ‘payment hurdle’ claims on Iranian crude imports, says supplies secure

India has dismissed reports suggesting payment-related hurdles in importing crude oil from Iran, calling such claims “factually incorrect” and reiterating that the country’s energy supplies remain secure.

The clarification came from the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas after reports claimed that an Iranian crude oil tanker originally headed for India was diverted to China due to payment issues.

In a statement, the ministry said there are “no payment hurdles for Iranian crude imports”, adding that such claims misunderstand how global oil trade operates.

Officials explained that changes in a vessel’s destination during transit are not unusual, as cargoes are often redirected based on commercial considerations and operational flexibility.

The government also emphasised that Indian refiners have already secured crude oil supplies for the coming months, including purchases from Iran, despite disruptions linked to the ongoing West Asia conflict.

India imports crude oil from more than 40 countries, and refiners have the flexibility to source supplies based on pricing, availability, and logistical factors, the ministry added.

The clarification follows tracking data that showed an Aframax tanker, initially indicating Vadinar in Gujarat as its destination, later signalling China as its revised port of discharge.

The government stressed that such movements are part of routine global trading practices and should not be interpreted as disruptions caused by financial or payment constraints.

India had earlier halted imports of Iranian crude in 2019 following sanctions, but refiners are now exploring opportunities to procure cargoes after recent relaxations, as the country seeks to maintain stable energy supplies amid geopolitical uncertainty.