Russian Oil Tanker Reverses Course, Heads to India Amid Global Energy Crisis
A Russian oil-laden tanker originally bound for China has reversed course in the South China Sea and is now heading to India. The move comes amid a global energy crisis caused by the US-Iran war.
The tanker Aqua Titan, carrying Russian oil, was initially heading to China. Ship-tracking data show that the Aframax tanker Aqua Titan is expected to arrive at the port of New Mangalore on March 21 carrying a cargo of Russia’s Urals crude. The vessel had loaded the oil from a Baltic Sea port in late January and initially signaled the Chinese port of Rizhao as its destination.
However, the tanker made an abrupt turnaround in Southeast Asian waters in mid-March and began heading toward India. Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, during a press-briefing, did not confirm the development.
Indian Refiners Snap Up Russian Oil Amid Energy Crisis
Following the US concession to allow India to increase its purchases of Russian crude oil, Indian refiners moved quickly to secure additional supplies. According to market data, around 30 million barrels of Russian oil were snapped up within a week, reflecting India‘s effort to offset reduced inflows from traditional Middle Eastern suppliers.
Energy intelligence firm Vortexa Ltd. estimates that at least seven tankers carrying Russian crude have switched their destinations mid-voyage from China to India in recent weeks. All of India‘s major refiners are now actively seeking Russian crude cargoes.
Indian Flagged LPG Carriers Cross Strait of Hormuz Amid Tensions
Despite the tense situation, some Indian vessels have managed to navigate the route successfully. On Tuesday, the Indian-flagged LPG carrier Nanda Devi arrived at Vadinar port in Gujarat’s Jamnagar district, carrying 46,500 metric tonnes of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) for ship-to-ship transfer at anchorage.
The vessel had crossed the Strait of Hormuz earlier along with another Indian-flagged LPG carrier, Shivalik. According to the government, both ships passed through the sensitive waterway safely over the weekend. While Shivalik reached India on Monday, Nanda Devi anchored at Vadinar on Tuesday.
The safe arrival of the two vessels comes as India closely monitors the security situation in the Persian Gulf, a region vital for the country’s energy imports.
Original Article: Russian oil tanker ditches China, ‘hurries’ to India amid global energy crisis: Report — Hindustantimes