India scores big: China-bound Russian crude oil tankers make surprise U-turn amid Iran crisis

The move comes as New Delhi seeks to secure its energy supplies amid disruptions caused by the ongoing conflict in Iran.

Ship-tracking firm Vortexa Ltd reported that the Aqua Titan, a medium-sized tanker loaded at a Baltic Sea port in late January, is now expected to reach New Mangalore Port on Saturday, March 21.

It was initially bound for the Chinese port of Rizhao but reversed course in mid-March, shortly after India received a temporary waiver from the United States to purchase sanctioned Russian oil stranded at sea.

Another tanker, the Suezmax Zouzou N, is en route to Sikka Port, expected to arrive on March 25.

India has ramped up purchases of Russian crude after the U.S. issued a 30-day waiver, providing relief as the Strait of Hormuz—through which 40–50% of India’s crude and significant LPG and LNG shipments pass—faces disruptions due to the Iran war.

In just one week, Indian refiners snapped up around 30 million barrels of Russian crude, reversing an earlier slowdown in imports.

Earlier this year, India had cut back Russian oil imports to 21% while negotiating a trade deal with the U.S., allowing China to increase its purchases. With the new waiver, competition for Russian crude is intensifying.

The arrival of these tankers is expected to ease short-term crude shortages in India, which relies on imports for nearly 90% of its energy needs. The recent disruption has already caused LPG shortages in cities like Mumbai and Bengaluru, forcing some restaurants to shut temporarily.

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has stated that India does not have a “blanket arrangement” with Iran for the transit of Indian-flagged vessels.

Meanwhile, three Indian-flagged tankers carrying crude and LPG have already reached Indian ports, with around 20 more waiting clearance to pass through the Strait.

The rerouting of these Russian oil shipments is expected to mitigate the immediate energy supply crunch and stabilize fuel availability in the country.