The rerouting coincides with India sharply increasing its procurement of Russian oil. Indian refiners are estimated to have purchased nearly 30 million barrels of crude within a week, reflecting a rapid response to evolving global supply conditions
Pic/AFP
India has significantly ramped up its imports of Russian crude oil, prompting multiple oil tankers originally headed for China to reroute mid-journey towards Indian ports, according to industry data and shipping reports, reported news agency IANS.
The development comes amid shifting global energy dynamics and supply concerns triggered by disruptions in the Middle East.
Tankers change course mid-voyage
One of the vessels, the Aframax tanker Aqua Titan, is now expected to dock at New Mangalore on March 21 with a cargo of Urals crude. The tanker had initially set its destination as Rizhao in China after loading oil from a Baltic Sea port in January, reported IANS.
However, in a notable shift, the vessel altered its route in mid-March while in the South China Sea and began heading towards India.
Shipping data indicates that this is not an isolated case. At least seven tankers carrying Russian oil have diverted from their original routes to China and are now bound for Indian ports, reported IANS.
India boosts Russian crude purchases
The rerouting coincides with India sharply increasing its procurement of Russian oil. Indian refiners are estimated to have purchased nearly 30 million barrels of crude within a week, reflecting a rapid response to evolving global supply conditions, reported IANS.
The surge follows a temporary easing of restrictions by the United States, allowing India to scale up imports of Russian oil.
Supply concerns drive buying spree
The increased buying is largely aimed at offsetting potential shortages arising from disruptions in Middle Eastern oil supplies due to ongoing geopolitical tensions involving Ira, reported IANS.
With uncertainty surrounding traditional supply routes, Indian refiners appear to be securing alternative sources to maintain stability in domestic fuel availability.
More vessels head towards Indian ports
Another tanker, the Suezmax Zouzou N., is also en route to India’s Sikka port and is expected to arrive on March 25. The vessel is carrying CPC Blend crude from Kazakhstan, reported IANS.
It had earlier departed from Novorossiysk in Russia’s Black Sea region and was initially bound for China before changing course in early March.
India regains position as key buyer
With all major Indian refiners actively sourcing Russian crude again, India is re-emerging as a major buyer for Moscow. Analysts say this shift reflects both strategic energy planning and market opportunities amid fluctuating global conditions, reported IANS.
Global oil prices may rise
The renewed demand is not limited to India. Other countries, including Japan and South Korea, have also resumed purchases of Russian oil following easing restrictions.
Analysts warn that increased demand from multiple buyers could push global oil prices higher in the coming weeks, adding further pressure to already volatile energy markets.
(With inputs from IANS)
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