India on Saturday, April 4, dismissed reports that an Gujarat-bound crude oil shipment intended for India had been diverted to China due to payment issues, calling the claims “factually incorrect.” The clarification came from the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, which said the country’s crude supply remains stable and fully secured despite ongoing disruptions in West Asia.

In a statement posted on X, the Ministry said Indian refiners continue to source crude from a diversified pool of more than 40 countries and retain full commercial flexibility in choosing suppliers. It added that there are no payment-related obstacles affecting imports, including those from Iran. War Lockdown Notice PDF Goes Viral on WhatsApp; It Is an April Fools’ Day Hoax.

India Denies Iran Oil Tanker Diversion to China Over Payment Issues

Clarification on Shipment Diversion Claims

The Ministry also addressed speculation about a tanker reportedly rerouted from Gujarat to China. It said such claims reflect a misunderstanding of how global oil trade functions.

According to the statement, shipping documents such as Bills of Lading often list tentative destinations. Cargoes in transit may be redirected based on evolving market conditions, operational needs, or trade optimisation strategies. India Has Only 5 Days of Strategic Oil Reserves? PIB Fact Check Debunks Misleading Claim.

The government emphasised that Indian refiners have already secured adequate crude oil supplies for the coming months. This includes shipments from Iran, with no financial or logistical barriers impacting transactions. Officials said recent reports suggesting otherwise misrepresent the current supply situation and could create unnecessary market concern.

LPG Shipment Arrives in Mangalore

Separately, the government rejected claims regarding disruptions to liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) supplies. It confirmed that the vessel Sea Bird, carrying approximately 44 thousand metric tonnes (TMT) of Iranian LPG, docked at Mangalore, Karnataka, on April 2 and is currently unloading cargo. This, the Ministry said, demonstrates that supply chains remain intact.

Full Statement from the Ministry

“The news reports and social media posts of an Iranian crude cargo being diverted from Vadinar, India to China due to ‘payment issues’ is factually incorrect. India imports crude oil from 40+ countries, with companies having full flexibility to source oil from different sources & geographies based on commercial considerations.

Amid Middle East supply disruptions, Indian refiners have secured their crude oil requirements, including from Iran; and there is no payment hurdle for Iranian crude imports as per some rumours being circulated.

Claims on vessel diversion ignore how oil trade works. Bills of Lading often carry indicative discharge ports destinations and on-sea cargoes can change destinations mid-voyage based on trade optimisation and operational flexibility.

It is reiterated that India’s crude oil requirements remain fully secured for the coming months. On LPG too, some claims being made are incorrect as LPG vessel Sea Bird carrying around 44 TMT Iranian LPG berthed at Mangalore, India on April 2 and is currently discharging.”

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Fact check

Did India-Bound Iranian Oil Tanker Turn to China Over Payment Issues? Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas Denies ‘Factually Incorrect’ Claims
Claim :

India-bound Iranian crude oil shipment had been diverted to China due to payment issues

Conclusion :

The claim is factually incorrect.

Full of Trash
Clean

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Apr 04, 2026 03:16 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).