Iran Denies Agreement to Renew US Talks amid Rising Maritime Tensions
Hardeep Singh Puri Dismisses Reports of Iranian Oil Cargo Diversion to China
Apr 04, 2026Union Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Hardeep Singh Puri has rejected claims that an Iranian crude oil cargo was diverted from Vadinar in India to China due to payment-related issues, calling such reports factually incorrect.
In a statement shared on social media, the minister clarified that there are no payment hurdles affecting India’s import of Iranian crude oil. He emphasized that Indian refiners have already secured adequate crude supplies, even amid ongoing disruptions in West Asian energy markets.
Puri explained that shipping documents such as Bills of Lading often list tentative destinations, and it is not unusual for cargo shipments to change course during transit due to operational or commercial considerations. He noted that such routine adjustments may have led to misinterpretations in certain reports.
Highlighting India’s diversified energy sourcing strategy, the minister stated that the country imports crude oil from more than 40 nations, allowing companies the flexibility to choose suppliers based on market dynamics and commercial viability.
Addressing separate claims regarding liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), Puri confirmed that the LPG vessel Sea Bird, carrying approximately 44,000 metric tonnes of Iranian LPG, successfully berthed at Mangalore on April 2 and is currently unloading its cargo.
The government has thus dismissed all speculation about disruptions or irregularities in energy imports from Iran, reaffirming that supplies remain stable and uninterrupted.
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