'Factually Incorrect': India Refutes Reports Of Iran Oil Vessel Diversion To China Over Pay Issues

Last Updated:April 04, 2026, 13:59 IST

India denies reports an Iranian crude shipment was diverted to China over payment issues, says refiners freely choose suppliers and face no payment hurdles for Iranian oil

The Indian government on Saturday dismissed reports claiming that an Iranian crude shipment was diverted from Gujarat to China due to payment-related issues, calling such assertions “factually incorrect."

In a statement posted on X, the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas clarified that India sources crude oil from more than 40 countries, with refiners having the flexibility to choose suppliers based on commercial considerations. It stressed that amid ongoing supply disruptions in West Asia, Indian refiners have already secured adequate crude supplies, including imports from Iran, and that no payment hurdles are affecting such transactions.

“"The news reports and social media posts of an Iranian crude cargo being diverted from Vadinar, India to China due to “payment issues" is factually incorrect. India imports crude oil from 40+ countries, with companies having full flexibility to source oil from different sources & geographies based on commercial considerations," the post read.

“Amid Middle East supply disruptions, Indian refiners have secured their crude oil requirements, including from Iran; and there is no payment hurdle for Iranian crude imports as per some rumours being circulated," the Ministry further wrote.

News india 'Factually Incorrect': India Refutes Reports Of Iran Oil Vessel Diversion To China Over Pay Issues

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