Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Hardeep Singh Puri has said that India is importing crude oil from more than 40 countries, including Iran, and there are no payment issues in procuring Iranian crude.

 

In a social media post, Mr Puri dismissed reports and social media claims suggesting that an Iranian crude cargo was diverted to China from Vadinar in India due to payment problems. He termed such reports as factually incorrect.

 

The Minister said, amid supply disruptions in West Asia, Indian refiners have successfully secured their crude oil requirements from multiple sources, including Iran. Mr Puri said Bills of Lading often mention tentative destinations, and cargo shipments may change course during transit due to operational or commercial reasons.

 

Highlighting India’s diversified sourcing strategy, the Petroleum Minister said that oil companies have full flexibility to import crude from various countries based on commercial considerations.