Tanker Carrying Iranian Crude Diverts From India, Now Headed To China: Report

Last Updated:April 03, 2026, 12:43 IST

Ping Shun had earlier indicated through its transponders and AIS that it was en route to the Vadinar offshore terminal, with an expected arrival on April 4.

A tanker carrying Iranian crude oil that was initially expected to deliver its cargo to India has instead changed course and is now heading toward China, highlighting the complex geopolitics surrounding oil trade amid ongoing regional tensions.

The Ping Shun, an Aframax tanker built in 2002 and sanctioned by the US in 2025, is now signaling Dongying, China, according to ship-tracking firm Kpler. Earlier this week, the vessel had indicated an arrival at Vadinar on India’s west coast, but it has since veered sharply south. Tracking data, however, is not final, and the ship’s destination may still change, as per a Bloomberg report.

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The Eswatini-flagged Ping Shun had earlier indicated through its transponders and AIS (automatic identification system) that it was en route to the Vadinar offshore terminal, with an expected arrival on April 4.

An official familiar with the matter said on Wednesday that the ship was initially destined for India, contingent on completing all “legal documentation mandated by international maritime protocols."

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A second official, who requested anonymity, noted that multiple factors could explain the change in course, including issues with price, insurance, operating crew, or documentation. He added, however, that he did not know the exact reason the ship altered its destination, Hindustan Times reported.

Earlier, US President Donald Trump, on March 21, had allowed sale of Iranian oil already loaded on to tankers in an attempt to tamp down soaring crude prices.

The vessel is operated by Nycity Shipmanagement Co. Ltd, a Chinese company. It had loaded crude oil from Iran’s Kharg Island and had previously indicated a destination in China.

India relies heavily on imports for its energy needs, sourcing nearly 90% of its crude oil, about half of its liquefied natural gas (LNG), and roughly two-thirds of its LPG from abroad. Most of these supplies pass through the Strait of Hormuz, where Iran’s recent crackdown on maritime traffic has disrupted global energy flows since the conflict began on February 28.

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