Overview
Indian refiners have purchased crude oil from Iran amid supply disturbances in the Middle East that have affected shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, the oil ministry announced on X. The ministry said the purchases come against a backdrop of supply pressure tied to the U.S.-Israel war and marked India’s first cargo from Tehran since May 2019, when U.S. pressure curtailed purchases of Iranian crude.
Ministry statement
In a post on X the oil ministry said: "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." The ministry also said India had secured its full crude oil needs for the coming months.
Sanctions and payments
Last month, the United States temporarily removed sanctions on Iranian oil and refined products to help alleviate supply shortages. The ministry highlighted India’s sourcing flexibility, noting that "India imports crude oil from 40-plus countries, with companies having full flexibility to source oil from different sources and geographies based on commercial considerations."
Liquefied petroleum gas shipment
Separately, India has taken delivery of 44,000 metric tons of Iranian liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) that was loaded on a sanctioned vessel. The ministry said the vessel berthed at the western port of Mangalore on Wednesday and is discharging the fuel.
Context and implications
The ministry’s comments indicate that refiners have used the full range of sourcing options available to them to meet near-term crude requirements. The reference to the temporary U.S. sanction relief and the sanctioned vessel discharging LPG reflect a complex operating environment in which policy decisions and maritime statuses can affect supply routes and cargo handling.
Summary
Indian refiners have resumed purchases of Iranian oil amid Middle East supply disruptions and shipping pressure through the Strait of Hormuz. The oil ministry said there are no payment hurdles for Iranian crude and that India’s crude needs for the coming months are secured. India also received 44,000 metric tons of Iranian LPG on a sanctioned vessel now discharging at Mangalore.