The department noted that there are no obstacles to paying for the import of Iranian oil, “contrary to spreading rumors.”
They also denied a report that a tanker with Iranian oil was allegedly redirected from India to China due to problems with payments. The ministry explained that changing the destination during transportation is a common practice and does not indicate payment failures.
India's crude oil needs are fully met over the next months, the department noted.
In addition, it was reported that on April 2, the Sea Bird vessel arrived at the Mangalore port with approximately 44 thousand tons of liquefied petroleum gas from Iran.
Irish travel news and social media news received from Vadinar, India to China produce “election” are factually incorrect. 🇮🇳India imports crude oil from 40+ countries, with companies have full flexibility to source oil from different sources…
— Ministroy of Petroleum and Natural Gas #MoPNG
Reuters notes that India, the world's third-largest oil importer and consumer, has not imported it from Iran since 2019 amid US sanctions pressure.
Context
India's resumption of oil purchases comes after the US temporarily eased restrictions amid supply disruptions due to the war against Iran. The sale of Iranian oil, which was loaded onto tankers before March 20, was allowed until April 19, 2026.
