Not to China, but to India: Seven Russian oil tankers to reach India soon

NEW DELHI: With the Hormuz crisis continuing, Russia is sending more crude oil shipments to India. This move comes after India increased its imports of fuel from Russia. As part of this shift, reports indicate that at least seven Russian oil tankers originally headed to China have now been rerouted towards Indian ports.

One of these vessels, the tanker Aqua Titan, is expected to arrive at New Mangalore on 21 March. The ship had left a Baltic Sea port at the end of January, with the Chinese port of Rizhao as its planned destination. However, after India received permission from the United States to increase purchases of Russian crude, the tanker was redirected to India.

Cargo‑tracking firm Vortexa says at least seven tankers have performed a “U‑turn” mid‑voyage and are now making their way to India instead of China. The firm also notes that around 96 lakh barrels of Russian crude are currently sailing near Indian waters, and these supplies could reach India within weeks if any supply disruption occurs in West Asia.

In a separate development, the Liberia‑flagged tanker Suezmax Zouzou N has also changed course mid‑journey from China to India. The vessel is scheduled to arrive at the Sikka port in Gujarat on 25 March.