India’s crude oil supply fully secured, no payment hurdle for Iranian imports: Petroleum Ministry

The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas on Saturday said India’s crude oil requirements remain “fully secured” for the coming months, dismissing reports of supply disruptions and payment issues linked to Iranian crude imports.

The ministry said Indian refiners have already secured their crude oil supplies, including from Iran, and clarified that there are no payment hurdles for importing Iranian crude, contrary to claims circulating in media reports and on social platforms.

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Rejecting reports that an Iranian crude cargo was diverted from Vadinar to China due to “payment issues,” the ministry termed such claims “factually incorrect.”


It added that India sources crude oil from over 40 countries, with companies having full flexibility to procure supplies based on commercial considerations and market dynamics.

No disruption despite Middle East tensions

Amid ongoing supply disruptions in the Middle East, the government said refiners have ensured adequate crude availability through diversified sourcing strategies. It reiterated that the country’s energy security remains intact despite geopolitical uncertainties.

The ministry also addressed claims regarding vessel diversion, stating such assertions ignore the operational realities of global oil trade.

Bills of Lading typically indicate tentative discharge ports, and cargoes can change destinations mid-voyage due to trade optimisation and logistical flexibility.

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LPG supply claims also rebutted

The ministry further dismissed concerns related to LPG supply, citing the example of the vessel Sea Bird, which carried around 44 TMT of Iranian LPG and berthed at Mangalore on April 2. The cargo is currently being discharged, it said, underlining the continuity of supplies.

Reaffirming its position, the ministry reiterated that India’s crude oil requirements remain fully secured for the coming months, with no disruption to imports, including those from Iran.