New Delhi: With crude oil supplies tightening due to escalating conflict in West Asia, a Russian crude tanker originally bound for China has arrived in India after a sudden mid-voyage diversion.
The cargo vessel Aqua Titan, carrying Russian crude meant for China’s Rizhao port, changed its route in the South China Sea and reached New Mangalore Port in Karnataka. Officials expect six more Russian crude ships to arrive soon, which could help stabilise availability.
The disruption follows attacks on Iran by the US and Israel since February 28, and Iran’s retaliatory actions. Iran has reportedly blocked the Strait of Hormuz, a key corridor for global crude movement, triggering shortages of fuel and related supplies worldwide, including in India.
After talks between the Indian government and Iran, ships flying India’s national flag have been allowed to pass through the strait. Two LPG carriers, Nanda Devi and Shivalik, have recently reached India via this route.
Separately, the LPG vessel Pyxis Pioneer, carrying 16,714 tonnes of cooking gas from Texas in the US, also arrived at New Mangalore Port. The report adds that Indian oil firms have booked large volumes of Russian crude in recent days, and a Kazakhstan crude cargo ship, Suzu N, is expected to reach Sikka port in Gujarat soon.
