The Indian government has firmly rejected reports and social media claims suggesting that an Iranian crude oil cargo was diverted from Vadinar to China due to payment-related issues, calling them “factually incorrect” and misleading.

In an official clarification, authorities emphasised that India imports crude oil from more than 40 countries, and domestic refining companies have complete flexibility to source oil based on commercial and logistical considerations.

This flexibility, the government said, ensures uninterrupted supply even amid evolving geopolitical situations.

The clarification comes at a time when concerns have been rising globally over supply disruptions in the Middle East.

However, India asserted that refiners have already secured adequate crude oil supplies for the coming months, including cargoes from Iran, and no payment hurdles are affecting such imports.

Addressing the specific claim of a cargo diversion, officials explained that such interpretations misunderstand how the global oil trade operates.

Bills of Lading, which often mention indicative discharge ports, are not final instructions. Cargoes at sea can change destination mid-voyage depending on market dynamics, pricing advantages, and operational optimisation.

“Claims on vessel diversion ignore how oil trade works,” the statement noted, underlining that such adjustments are routine in international energy markets and do not indicate any disruption or dispute.

The government also dismissed parallel claims regarding liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) imports. It highlighted that an Iranian LPG vessel, Sea Bird, carrying approximately 44 thousand metric tonnes, successfully berthed at Mangaluru on April 2 and is currently discharging its cargo.

This, officials said, is clear evidence that energy trade between India and Iran continues without disruption.

Reiterating its position, the government stressed that India’s crude oil requirements remain “fully secured” and that there is no cause for concern regarding supply stability in the near term.

The clarification aims to counter misinformation circulating online and reassure markets as well as consumers that India’s energy supply chain remains resilient despite global uncertainties.