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Tankers Reroute from China to India Amid Russian Oil Buying Spree

India has sharply increased its purchases of Russian crude oil, causing several tankers originally bound for China to change course mid-journey towards Indian ports. This shift follows a US decision to temporarily allow India to boost its imports of Russian oil, leading Indian refiners to buy around 30 million barrels in a single week. The surge is partly driven by supply concerns after disruptions in Middle Eastern oil flows due to regional conflict. Analysts note this renewed demand from India and other countries like Japan and South Korea could push global oil prices higher.

Key Points: Tankers Divert to India as Russian Oil Imports Surge

  • Tankers divert mid-voyage to India
  • US allowed temporary import boost
  • 30M barrels bought in one week
  • Supply concerns after Middle East disruptions
2 min read

Tankers reroute from China to India amid spike in Russian oil purchases

India's increased Russian oil purchases cause tankers to reroute from China. US policy shift allows India to boost imports, impacting global supply.

"India appears to be regaining its position as a key buyer for Moscow - Vortexa report"

New Delhi, March 18

India has sharply increased its purchases of Russian oil, prompting several tankers that were originally headed to China to change course mid-journey and sail towards Indian ports instead.

One such vessel, the Aframax tanker Aqua Titan, is now expected to arrive at New Mangalore on March 21 carrying Urals crude, according to reports.

The ship had initially set its destination as Rizhao in China after loading oil from a Baltic Sea port in late January.

However, in a sudden shift in mid-March, it turned around in the South China Sea and began heading towards India, the report said.

This change comes shortly after the United States allowed India to temporarily boost its imports of Russian oil.

Following this move, Indian refiners quickly stepped up purchases, buying around 30 million barrels of Russian crude in just one week.

The surge in buying is aimed at managing supply concerns after disruptions in Middle Eastern oil supplies due to the ongoing conflict involving Iran.

The shift is not limited to a single tanker. Data from analytics firm Vortexa shows that at least seven ships carrying Russian oil have diverted their routes from China to India in recent weeks.

With all major Indian refiners actively seeking Russian crude again, India appears to be regaining its position as a key buyer for Moscow, as per the report.

Another tanker, the Suezmax Zouzou N., is also heading towards India's Sikka port and is expected to arrive on March 25.

The vessel is carrying CPC Blend crude from Kazakhstan. It had earlier sailed from Novorossiysk in Russia's Black Sea region and was initially bound for Rizhao before changing direction in early March.

Meanwhile, the easing of restrictions has also allowed other countries, including Japan and South Korea, to resume purchases of Russian oil.

Analysts said this renewed demand from multiple buyers could push global oil prices higher in the coming weeks.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
Interesting to see the real-time impact of geopolitics on global trade. Tankers literally turning around mid-ocean. While it's good for India's short-term supply, I hope we're also investing heavily in renewables for long-term energy security.
P
Priya S
This is a practical decision, but we must be careful. Over-reliance on any single source, even if it's cheap now, can be risky. Our foreign policy needs to balance these economic benefits with our broader strategic relationships.
R
Rohit P
Great! If the oil is available at a discount, why shouldn't India buy it? Every rupee saved on energy imports strengthens our economy. The US gave the nod, so the diplomatic angle is also covered. Full support to this.
M
Michael C
The scale is impressive - 30 million barrels in a week. This will definitely help keep petrol and diesel prices in check. Hope the common citizen actually sees the benefit at the pump and not just the oil companies' profits.
K
Kavya N
While I understand the economic necessity, I have a respectful criticism. We should be more transparent about the terms and the long-term implications of such deals. Energy policy affects everyone, and public discourse is important.
V
Vikram M
China's loss is our gain! Shows how India can

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