The central government on Saturday rejected reports claiming that an Iranian crude oil cargo meant for India was diverted to China due to payment issues. Calling the claims “factually incorrect”, the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas said there are no hurdles in payments for crude oil imports.
In a statement posted on X, the Ministry said India continues to secure crude supplies without any financial constraints despite global uncertainties.
The Ministry explained that changes in a vessel’s destination during transit are common in the oil trade. Bills of Lading usually mention indicative discharge ports, and cargoes may change destination mid-voyage based on commercial and operational decisions.
It said such reports fail to take into account standard industry practices, where routing adjustments are made for trade optimisation and logistical flexibility.
The news reports and social media posts of an Iranian crude cargo being diverted from Vadinar, India to China due to “payment issues” are factually incorrect. 🇮🇳India imports crude oil from 40+ countries, with companies having full flexibility to source oil from different sources…
— Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas #MoPNG (@PetroleumMin) April 4, 2026
India’s diversified sourcing strategy
Highlighting India’s energy security, the Ministry said the country imports crude oil from over 40 countries. Oil companies have the flexibility to source crude from different regions depending on market conditions and commercial considerations.
Amid ongoing tensions in West Asia, the Ministry said Indian refiners have already secured their crude requirements, including supplies from Iran.
LPG supply remains unaffected
The Ministry also dismissed concerns regarding LPG supply. It said the LPG vessel Sea Bird, carrying around 44,000 metric tonnes of Iranian LPG, docked at Mangalore on April 2 and is currently discharging cargo.
The clarification came after media reports, citing a commodity market analysis firm, suggested that a crude cargo headed for India had been diverted to China due to payment-related issues.
The reports surfaced at a time when tensions in West Asia have raised concerns about disruptions in global energy supply chains.
Several news reports and social media posts have claimed that an Iranian crude cargo was diverted from Vadinar, India to China due to payment issues#PIBFactCheck
❌ This claim is #Misleading
✅ Indian refiners have secured their crude oil requirements, including from Iran;… pic.twitter.com/jJfTmE6bwg
— PIB Fact Check (@PIBFactCheck) April 4, 2026