India has officially dismissed allegations of payment issues regarding an Iranian crude oil tanker initially bound for India but diverted to China. The Ministry of External Affairs stated that the diversion was due to ‘commercial reasons’ and denied any financial complications.
Analysts suggest the rerouting could be linked to U.S. sanctions on Iranian oil, which have created payment challenges for some buyers. ‘India has been navigating these sanctions carefully, but occasional disruptions are inevitable,’ said an energy sector analyst speaking on condition of anonymity.
The tanker, carrying approximately 2 million barrels of Iranian crude, was originally scheduled to dock at an Indian port last week. Instead, it altered course to China, sparking speculation about payment disputes. Indian officials insist the diversion was prearranged and part of standard trade practices.
This incident highlights the ongoing complexities of global oil trade amid geopolitical tensions. With Iran increasing oil exports despite sanctions, buyers like India and China face logistical and financial hurdles.