India has sourced crude oil from Iran after a gap of nearly seven years, the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas (MoPNG) said on Saturday, signalling a possible resumption of purchases amid disruptions in West Asia and constraints along key shipping routes such as the Strait of Hormuz.
The MoPNG said the cargo marks the first such sourcing since May 2019, when imports were halted following the re-imposition of US sanctions on Iran, despite Iran being among India’s top suppliers earlier, accounting for around 12–13 percent of total imports at its peak.
The development comes as supply chains linked to the Middle East face pressure, prompting refiners to diversify sourcing to ensure continuity of supplies.
In addition, a very large gas carrier (VLGC) has delivered around 44,000 tonnes of Iranian Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) to Mangalore, with discharge operations currently underway, the ministry said.
India imports crude from over 40 countries, with refiners having flexibility to optimise sourcing based on commercial considerations, the ministry said, adding that recent purchases, including from Iran, are part of this broader strategy.
The ministry also clarified that reports of an Iranian crude cargo being diverted from Vadinar to China due to payment issues were incorrect, noting that shipping destinations can change mid-voyage based on commercial and operational considerations.
