New Delhi: India may once again be increasing its purchases of Russian crude oil as escalating tensions in the Middle East disrupt global energy supply routes and create uncertainty in international oil markets, according to a report by Bloomberg based on ship-tracking data.

Two oil tankers that were initially expected to head towards East Asia have now redirected their route to India. Data from maritime analytics firms Kpler and Vortexa show that the vessels are carrying a combined cargo of around 1.4 million barrels of Urals crude, a Russian oil grade exported from ports in the Baltic and Black Sea regions.

The shift in destination suggests that Indian refiners may be reconsidering Russian oil purchases as the ongoing conflict involving Iran threatens supplies from the Gulf region and raises concerns about energy security.

Oil tankers rerouted to Indian ports

One of the tankers identified in the report is Odune, a Suezmax-class vessel transporting approximately 7.3 lakh barrels of Urals crude. Ship-tracking data and port agent reports indicate that the vessel arrived at Paradip port in the eastern Indian state of Odisha on Wednesday.

However, it remains unclear whether the cargo has been fully discharged at the port.

Another tanker named Matari, an Aframax vessel carrying more than 7 lakh barrels of the same crude grade, is expected to reach Vadinar port in Gujarat on Thursday.

According to Bloomberg, both vessels had originally signalled East Asia as their destination before altering course during transit, suggesting a last-minute shift in trade routes.

Urals crude earlier popular with Indian refiners

Russian Urals crude became widely used by Indian refiners after Western sanctions were imposed on Russia following the invasion of Ukraine in 2022. The discounted oil allowed India to secure large volumes of crude at prices significantly lower than global benchmarks.

The move helped India manage its growing energy demand while reducing import costs.

However, shipments of Russian crude to India slowed earlier this year after increasing diplomatic pressure from the United States. Indian refiners reportedly scaled back purchases to avoid complicating trade discussions with Washington.

As a result, Russia began redirecting more of its oil exports towards buyers in China.

Middle East conflict triggers supply fears

The situation has now shifted again due to the ongoing conflict involving Iran and Western allies in the Middle East. The hostilities have created uncertainty around shipping routes and raised fears of disruptions in global oil supplies.

A key concern for global energy markets is the security of the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important oil transit chokepoints. A large share of global crude exports passes through this narrow waterway connecting the Persian Gulf to the Arabian Sea.

Any disruption in traffic through the Strait of Hormuz could significantly impact global oil prices and supply chains.

With these risks growing, Indian refiners appear to be turning again to Russian crude shipments as a way to secure stable supply.

Another tanker also changing route

There are also indications that more Russian oil shipments may soon be redirected towards India.

A third tanker named Indri, another Suezmax vessel currently sailing in the Arabian Sea, had earlier signalled Singapore as its destination. However, ship-tracking data shows the vessel made a sharp northward turn this week and is now heading toward India.

The tanker is carrying approximately 7.3 lakh barrels of Urals crude.

If the vessel ultimately docks at an Indian port, it could further confirm a broader shift in oil trade flows caused by the Middle East conflict.

Sanctioned vessels involved in shipments

All three vessels involved in these shipments — Odune, Matari, and Indri — were sanctioned last year by the European Union and the United Kingdom as part of measures targeting Russian energy exports.

The tanker Odune is managed by Global Ship Solutions LLC, a maritime company based in Azerbaijan. According to Bloomberg, the firm did not immediately respond to requests for comment. The vessel’s owner, Sylvarn Fleetline Ltd, based in Hong Kong, also had no publicly available contact details.

Similarly, Matari is managed by Anchor Elite Shipmanagement, another Azerbaijan-based firm. The vessel’s owner, Oasis Bloom Corp, could not be contacted for comment.

For the third tanker, Indri, its Hong Kong-based owner Veyronda Seaborne Ltd and ship manager Stellar Ship Solutions LLC also could not be reached for comment, according to the report.

Global oil flows adjusting to geopolitical tensions

Energy analysts say the redirection of these cargoes highlights how rapidly global oil flows can change in response to geopolitical developments.

With tensions in the Middle East threatening crucial supply routes and shipping corridors, oil-importing countries like India are increasingly seeking alternative sources to maintain stable supply.

If the regional conflict continues to disrupt Gulf shipments, experts believe more Russian crude cargoes could be diverted towards India in the coming weeks.

Conclusion

The diversion of Russian crude tankers towards India underscores the fragile state of global energy supply chains amid rising geopolitical tensions. As uncertainty grows around Middle Eastern oil exports and key maritime routes, Indian refiners appear to be reassessing their sourcing strategies to ensure stable energy supplies for the country.