India Seizes Three Tankers Involved in Oil Smuggling
India has taken its first-ever action against the growing shadow fleet of tankers by seizing three vessels involved in oil smuggling, according to a statement from the Indian Coast Guard. The operation, which took place on February 6, was described as a successful bust of an international oil-smuggling racket.
The syndicate exploited mid-sea transfers in international waters to move cheap oil from conflict-ridden regions to motor tankers, evading duties owed to coastal states, the Coast Guard said. The authorities intercepted three suspect vessels west of Mumbai and are escorting them to the city for further legal action.
This move by India follows intensified efforts from Western countries, including the U.S. and EU, to take a more decisive stance against shadow vessels making illicit trips to deliver sanctioned oil. The seizure also comes as the United States is pressuring India to halt imports of Russian crude oil as part of the U.S.-India trade deal.
Indian Refiners Avoid Russian Oil Amid Trade Deal Pressure
Indian refiners are still avoiding Russian oil, with deals for delivery in April beginning to be made. India‘s largest state-owned refiner, Indian Oil Corporation (IOC), has boosted purchases of crude oil from West Africa and the Middle East as New Delhi steers clear of Russian crude in the wake of the trade deal with the United States.
Indian Oil and Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL), as well as the top private refiner Reliance Industries, have not made any fresh spot orders for Russian crude in the past week, sources with direct knowledge of the oil procurement deals told Bloomberg on Monday. The move is seen as a response to pressure from the United States to halt imports of Russian crude oil.
India‘s Role in Maritime Security
The Indian Coast Guard’s statement emphasized India‘s role as a net provider of maritime security and guardian of the rules-based international order. The seizure of the three tankers reinforces this role, demonstrating India‘s commitment to combating illegal activities at sea.
India‘s move to take action against shadow fleet tankers is seen as a significant development in the country’s efforts to strengthen its maritime security and protect its interests in the global energy market.
Original Article: India Moves Against the Shadow Fleet With First-Ever Tanker Seizures — Oilprice